Liberal Arts & Humanities at Hampshire College

Amherst, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
8 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
9
Optimistic
8
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,113/yr (-43% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #424 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

Program Analysis

The data for Hampshire College underscores the unique path you’d be choosing, diverging significantly from more vocationally-oriented programs. This isn't just about general humanities; it's about Hampshire's specific, self-designed curriculum, which prioritizes intellectual exploration over pre-defined career tracks. While fostering exceptional critical thinking and creative problem-solving, this approach means you'll need to be highly proactive in translating your interdisciplinary skills for employers. The local Pioneer Valley economy also isn't a major hub for immediate, high-paying roles for broad liberal arts graduates without specific, demonstrated applications. Many graduates often pursue further education, explaining the "postsecondary teacher" career path, which delays entry into the workforce and adds to educational investment. If you choose this intellectually rich environment, prioritize internships and networking from your first year to build clear pathways and articulate how your unique education directly serves employer needs.

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 $432K $432K $407K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 9 8 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,240
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
14.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,405
53% growth from Year 1

About Hampshire College

Hampshire College accepts 70% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 716 in Amherst, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $103,240 — 54% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Hampshire College →

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

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 8/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Hampshire College?
At 8/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Liberal Arts & Humanities degree from Hampshire College?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Hampshire College a good choice for Liberal Arts & Humanities despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Hampshire College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Hampshire College?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $226,520. At a net cost of $103,240, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →