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Liberal Arts and Sciences at Francis Marion University

Florence, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,838/yr (-41% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #403 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$457K	$457K	$433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.2x	9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.3x	5.3x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	17	17	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,640

Out-of-state: $86,176 (5.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$53,804

-21% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$39,981

22.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$36,408

67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,838 per year, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Francis Marion University earn below the $37,172 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At a 1.8x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #403 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Francis Marion University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,838-to-$36,408 earnings arc over five years reflects a 67% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Francis Marion University

With 82% of applicants admitted, Francis Marion University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,640 students in Florence, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Francis Marion 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 and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Francis Marion 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 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Francis Marion University?

At 17/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Liberal Arts and Sciences degree from Francis Marion University?

At $39,981 in median debt, graduates carry 22 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is Francis Marion University a good choice for Liberal Arts and Sciences despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Francis Marion University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →