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

Weber State's associate program in Liberal Arts stands out for what happens after that first modest paycheck. Starting at $34,165, graduates see their earnings jump nearly 40% by year four—reaching $47,347—outpacing the typical trajectory for this degree. That puts Weber State in the 92nd percentile nationally, though against other Utah liberal arts programs, it lands squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile.

The debt picture is manageable at $13,054, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38—meaning graduates owe less than half of their first-year salary. This is lighter than many bachelor's degree programs, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates confirms these aren't fluky numbers. Still, parents should recognize the modest starting salary. That first year often means living with roommates or at home while building skills that translate into better opportunities.

The value proposition here depends on what comes next. If your student plans to transfer to a four-year program, this creates a solid launchpad without crushing debt. If they're entering the workforce directly, those year-four earnings suggest they're finding ways to advance—but they'll need hustle and strategic job moves to reach that trajectory. For families looking to minimize debt while keeping options open, Weber State delivers on that promise.