Liberal Arts & Humanities at Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,532/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk
Low (0% exposed)
Job Market
Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI
11.4x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
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 | $480K | $480K | $456K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.4x | 11.4x | 10.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.3x | 4.3x | 4.1x |
| 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)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,768
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,888
23% growth from Year 1
About Iowa State University
A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.
See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →Top Career Paths
Postsecondary teachers, all other
$78,490/yr
Compare & Explore
Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools
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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
How does Iowa State University'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 →