Liberal Arts & Humanities at McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,282/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (11.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #233 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 $463K $463K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.7x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.6x 11.6x 11.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 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)
$33,840
Out-of-state: $39,840 (11.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,028
-33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,377
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,559
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,282/yr, Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates from McNeese State University land near the $37,172 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 13.7x 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 $24,377 debt-to-$35,282 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #233 out of 424 programs, McNeese State University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $35,282 to $41,559 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About McNeese State University

McNeese State University accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,846 students in Lake Charles, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at McNeese State 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 & Humanities at Other Schools

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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 McNeese 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 →