Liberal Arts & Humanities at Bentley University

Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $72,333/yr (95% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #7 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $775K $775K $750K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$232,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$155,148
33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$103,187
43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $72,333 per year, Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates from Bentley University significantly outpace the $37,172 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 3% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts & Humanities involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

The median debt load of $26,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Bentley University ranks #7 among 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 43% earnings increase from $72,333 to $103,187 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Bentley University

Bentley University accepts 48% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,288 in Waltham, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,148 — 33% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Bentley University →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at Bentley University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Bentley University?
At 52/100, Bentley University's Liberal Arts & Humanities program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Bentley University one of the best schools for Liberal Arts & Humanities?
Among 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, Bentley University's #7 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →