Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh's liberal arts program breaks the usual pattern for this major, with graduates earning $50,438 in their first year—nearly $7,000 above the Wisconsin median and an impressive $14,000 above the national median. This puts it in the 95th percentile nationally, a remarkable showing for a degree type that often struggles with early earnings. Within Wisconsin, it ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only UW-Green Bay among comparable state programs. The $31,154 in median debt is reasonable given these earnings, yielding a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable on a typical repayment timeline.

The 14% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are gaining traction rather than plateauing, with four-year earnings reaching $57,441. This trajectory matters because liberal arts degrees often depend on developing transferable skills that take time to monetize. The combination of strong starting salaries and continued growth indicates UW-Oshkosh students are finding solid employment paths, likely in business, education, or public sector roles where humanities backgrounds translate well.

For parents weighing the investment, this program delivers outcomes that substantially exceed national expectations while keeping debt in check. At an 87% admission rate, it's also accessible. If your student is considering liberal arts in Wisconsin, this represents one of the stronger value propositions available in-state.