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

In Minnesota, liberal arts programs show a dramatic range—from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at nearly $57,000 to state medians around $53,000—making Winona State's estimated first-year earnings of $36,340 particularly striking. That figure, drawn from national peer programs rather than actual outcomes from this school, sits well below both the state's typical performance and what Minnesota's top programs deliver. The estimated $26,662 in debt aligns with state averages, but when paired with those lower earnings projections, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73—manageable on paper, yet concerning when you consider students at comparable Minnesota schools are entering the workforce with earning power roughly 45% higher.

The core question is whether Winona State's liberal arts program produces outcomes closer to the national average or the Minnesota standard. Without actual data from this specific program, you're betting on which way it trends. If it performs like peer programs nationally, your child faces starting earnings below $37,000—enough to service the debt, but leaving little cushion and lagging significantly behind other Minnesota graduates in the same field. The 69% admission rate and modest SAT scores suggest this isn't competing directly with Minnesota-Twin Cities, but that still leaves a wide gap to explain.

Before committing, push the financial aid office for actual graduate outcomes. If they can't provide them, assume the lower national baseline rather than hoping for Minnesota's stronger results.