Liberal Arts & Humanitiesat Cumberland University
Graduates earn $23,264/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Liberal Arts & Humanities average. Base-case 10-year earnings $390K; scenarios range from $366K to $390K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cumberland University
While a broad humanities background from Cumberland can cultivate valuable critical thinking and communication skills, the financial data here suggests a common challenge for general studies programs. The local Lebanon and wider Middle Tennessee job market often rewards specialized vocational or technical skills more directly in entry-level roles. A general liberal arts degree, without a clear career track or complementary minors in high-demand fields like business analytics or digital marketing, may not immediately open doors to higher-paying positions. Many graduates might enter roles in education, non-profits, or administrative functions where initial salaries are modest, or pursue further education to specialize. To maximize your return, proactively seek internships, build a portfolio of practical skills, and network intensely with professionals in your target industries before graduation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Cumberland University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Liberal Arts & Humanities
How Cumberland University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cumberland University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cumberland University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Liberal Arts & Humanities offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Liberal Arts & Humanities trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Liberal Arts & Humanities at Cumberland University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Cumberland University?
A score of 15/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Liberal Arts & Humanities at Cumberland University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $25,000 against $23,264/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Liberal Arts & Humanities from Cumberland University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.