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Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Cameron University stands out with the highest earnings potential at $58,673 among Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, despite carrying a net cost of $10,705. This Oklahoma institution demonstrates how regional job markets can significantly impact graduate outcomes in fields traditionally viewed as lower-earning. The federal government employs nearly 800,000 workers in roles requiring liberal arts backgrounds, from policy analysis to communications, creating steady demand for graduates with strong critical thinking skills. Public institutions dominate this ranking, with 13 of the 15 schools offering in-state tuition under $11,000. Texas A&M University-Central Texas provides the most affordable option at just $1,113 net cost, while CUNY schools prove that urban markets can offer both affordability and strong career prospects. The earnings range spans from $25,194 to $58,673, reflecting how geographic location and institutional connections influence post-graduation opportunities for liberal arts majors.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $13,670
Net Price Range
$33,084
Avg. Program Earnings
47.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $31,670 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,978 $36,852 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
3 $3,046 $34,704 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
4 $3,486 $35,751 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
5 $3,613 $28,860 $4,420 30.6%
6 $3,659 $25,194 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
7 $5,216 $34,261 $6,400 32.6%
8 $4,113 $26,519 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
9 $6,199 $38,953 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
10 $9,104 $49,937 $8,400 53.2%
11 $10,705 $58,673 $6,900 21.5%
12 $6,276 $33,993 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
13 $6,007 $31,839 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
14 $7,168 $36,265 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
15 $5,970 $29,956 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
16 $4,536 $22,444 $6,916 61.8% 75.4%
17 $6,935 $33,993 $2,336 31.4%
18 $6,061 $28,960 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
19 $5,115 $24,035 $7,490 32.8%
20 $5,881 $27,476 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
21 $5,671 $26,353 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
22 $9,287 $42,682 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
23 $7,599 $33,637 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
24 $8,896 $38,485 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
25 $8,916 $38,289 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
26 $6,500 $27,552 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
27 $5,918 $24,808 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
28 $6,747 $28,133 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
29 $7,403 $30,251 $5,040 26.0%
30 $8,463 $33,987 $6,270 40.7%
31 $10,043 $39,774 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
32 $5,646 $21,964 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
33 $8,001 $30,047 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
34 $9,133 $34,230 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
35 $8,130 $30,047 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
36 $12,267 $45,277 $10,110 47.6%
37 $8,931 $32,925 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
38 $8,257 $30,409 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
39 $10,948 $40,037 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
40 $10,650 $38,289 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
41 $6,480 $23,242 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
42 $11,276 $40,428 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
43 $8,364 $29,685 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
44 $9,121 $32,284 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
45 $5,825 $20,596 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
46 $6,352 $22,329 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
47 $9,055 $31,495 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
48 $11,147 $38,289 $7,630 29.3%
49 $9,477 $32,498 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
50 $13,670 $45,852 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $33,479 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

Cameron University's $58,673 average exceeds California State University-Dominguez Hills' $25,194 by more than double, largely due to regional economic differences. Oklahoma's energy sector and government contracts create higher-paying opportunities for liberal arts graduates in analysis and communications roles. California's competitive job market and higher cost of living don't translate to proportionally higher starting salaries for new graduates. Geographic location proves more influential than program reputation in determining early career earnings.

How do CUNY schools compare in value for liberal arts education?

Three CUNY institutions rank in the top four for value, with net costs between $2,978 and $3,486. Baruch College leads with $36,852 average earnings and a 72.1% graduation rate, while maintaining selective 49.53% acceptance. John Jay College follows closely at $34,704 earnings with similar affordability at $3,046 net cost. These schools benefit from New York's extensive nonprofit, media, and government sectors that actively recruit liberal arts graduates.

Is Texas A&M-Central Texas worth considering despite its location?

The $1,113 net cost makes this the most affordable option, though earnings of $31,670 fall in the middle range. The 95.71% acceptance rate provides accessible entry for students focused on minimizing debt over maximizing immediate earnings potential. Killeen's proximity to Fort Hood creates unique opportunities in defense contracting and military support services. Students graduate with minimal debt burden, allowing flexibility in career choices and geographic mobility.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in liberal arts?

Baruch College's 72.1% graduation rate corresponds with the second-highest earnings at $36,852, suggesting institutional support impacts outcomes. However, Cameron University achieves the highest earnings despite only a 21.5% graduation rate, indicating that completing students find excellent opportunities. West Virginia University at Parkersburg's 30.6% rate reflects challenges common to regional institutions serving working adult populations. Strong institutional support appears more critical than selectivity for student success in liberal arts programs.

Where do private institutions fit in the liberal arts value equation?

American Public University System represents the sole private option, with $49,937 average earnings ranking third overall despite higher costs. The online format serves military and working professionals, explaining the strong earnings relative to traditional demographics. At $9,104 net cost, it costs three times more than top CUNY options but offers flexibility unavailable at traditional campuses. Most students benefit more from affordable public options that provide similar career preparation with significantly lower debt loads.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.