Liberal Arts & Humanities at Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,775/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #229 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 & Humanities graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $496K $496K $472K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.5x 10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,160
Out-of-state: $161,928 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,368
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,380
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,775 track close to the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 10.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 5%. Career paths for Liberal Arts & Humanities are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

The $18,000 debt-to-$35,775 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #229 out of 424 programs, Indiana University-Bloomington's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,775 to $47,380 shows 32% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University-Bloomington has a 80% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 36,571 in Bloomington, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Bloomington →

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 Indiana University-Bloomington

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Indiana University-Bloomington's Liberal Arts & Humanities program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →