Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Washburn University

A liberal arts bachelor's degree carrying an estimated $25,000 in debt alongside first-year earnings around $41,000 creates a manageable debt burden by the numbers—that 0.61 ratio means roughly seven months of income to cover the total borrowed. Based on comparable Kansas programs, this puts Washburn in the middle of the pack for general studies degrees, with similar programs across the state reporting first-year earnings between $38,000 and $43,000.

The challenge here isn't the debt load but the trajectory. Liberal arts degrees typically provide broad skills that take time to translate into specialized careers, meaning that $41,000 starting point matters less than where graduates land five or ten years out. For the 31% of Washburn students receiving Pell grants, this program offers a relatively affordable path to a bachelor's degree, though families should recognize they're investing in flexibility and critical thinking skills rather than direct career preparation.

The practical takeaway: these estimated figures suggest Washburn's program performs comparably to peer institutions in Kansas, with debt levels that won't overwhelm early-career earnings. However, without specific outcome data for this program, parents should look closely at what support Washburn provides for career development and graduate school preparation—the factors that ultimately determine whether a general studies degree opens doors or leaves graduates searching for direction.