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

Xavier's liberal arts program punches well above its weight, placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $47,064—nearly $11,000 above the typical program graduate and $6,500 above Ohio's state median. While it sits at the 60th percentile within Ohio (where schools like Antioch and Ohio State lead the pack), that positioning is respectable given Xavier competes in a strong state market. The $23,250 debt load, though higher than Ohio's median, translates to a manageable 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.

The 24% earnings growth to $58,310 by year four demonstrates solid career progression—this isn't a program where graduates plateau early. At an 88% acceptance rate, Xavier provides accessible entry to outcomes that rival far more selective institutions. The moderate sample size suggests consistent performance rather than a statistical fluke.

For families concerned about liberal arts ROI, Xavier offers tangible evidence that a general studies degree can lead to strong employment outcomes. The combination of above-average starting salaries, reasonable debt, and steady income growth makes this a genuinely strong option among Ohio's liberal arts programs, even if it doesn't top the state rankings.