Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Valdosta State University

That first-year earnings figure of $25,441 should grab your attention—it ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for this degree, meaning 95% of comparable programs produce better immediate outcomes. Even within Georgia, where this program sits at the 25th percentile, you're looking at earnings roughly $9,000 below the state median for liberal arts graduates. The $31,000 in debt compounds the problem, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that makes those first years after graduation financially precarious.

The 74% earnings jump to $44,189 by year four offers some relief and suggests graduates eventually find their footing in the job market. However, you're still starting from such a low baseline that the recovery period is extended. Compare this to University of North Georgia or Clayton State, where liberal arts graduates earn $37,000-38,000 right out of the gate—a $12,000 head start that compounds over those early career years.

For a family considering Valdosta State's liberal arts program, the central question is whether your child has a clear post-graduation plan that can navigate those difficult first years. With half the student body on Pell grants and an 83% admission rate, this serves an important mission, but the earnings data suggests many graduates struggle initially. If your child is set on liberal arts in Georgia, the numbers point toward exploring those higher-ranked state options first.