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

Kansas liberal arts programs cluster tightly in the low-$40,000s for first-year earnings, and peer programs across the state suggest Wichita State lands right in that pack at around $41,200. That's modestly above the national median for these degrees, though the comparison reflects Kansas's cost of living as much as any premium. More concerning is the four-year earnings figure of $42,648—barely $1,400 higher than year one—which suggests limited early salary progression for this degree.

The estimated debt load of roughly $25,000 creates a manageable 0.61 ratio, comfortably below the danger zone where monthly payments strain budgets. Similar programs at Kansas public universities carry debt in the mid-$20,000s, so this tracks with state patterns. At 30% Pell enrollment and a 95% admission rate, Wichita State serves students who may be balancing work and school, which could explain both the accessible debt levels and the flat early earnings trajectory.

The practical challenge here is what comes next. Comparable programs show that these degrees don't command strong immediate salaries or rapid growth, making career planning essential from day one. If your student has a clear path—teaching credential, graduate school, specific career track—this could work as an affordable foundation. Without that plan, they're looking at several years of $40,000-range earnings to chip away at that debt.