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

Yale's liberal arts program earns graduates $61,133 in their first year—68% more than the national median and 38% more than Connecticut's typical graduate in this field. While Yale often gets attention for its pre-professional programs, this data suggests its humanities education delivers exceptional early career outcomes, even in a major often dismissed as impractical. With just $15,750 in typical debt (less than three months' salary), graduates carry about half the debt load of their Connecticut peers while earning significantly more.

The 95th percentile national ranking tells the real story here: Yale transforms what's typically a modest-earning degree into a launch pad for high-paying careers. Whether through alumni networks, credential prestige, or the caliber of students attracted to a 5% acceptance rate, something is working. Even within Connecticut—home to other strong liberal arts programs—Yale graduates out-earn the state median by nearly $17,000 annually.

For families who can afford Yale or qualify for its need-based aid, the combination of minimal debt and strong earnings makes this a rare example of a liberal arts degree that pays off immediately. The 0.26 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates aren't trapped in low-paying "passion" jobs—they have genuine financial flexibility right out of college.