Liberal Arts & Humanities at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,201/yr (-40% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #348 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

Program Analysis

The earnings trajectory for this general humanities program at Montclair State suggests graduates often enter fields where foundational skills in critical thinking and communication are valued, but initial compensation is modest. Many roles are found in non-profits, local government, education support, or administrative positions across various industries in the competitive tri-state area. While a Montclair degree is respected regionally, a broad liberal arts major requires you to actively build bridges to a career. You'll need to strategically pursue internships, minors, or certifications in complementary fields like marketing, data analysis, or project management to translate your versatile skills into specific job functions. Proactive career planning and networking are absolutely essential to maximize your post-graduation prospects.

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 $612K $612K $587K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.4x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.3x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,636
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,551
12.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,979
148% growth from Year 1

About Montclair State University

Montclair State University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair 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

Other Majors at Montclair State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Montclair State University?
At 24/100, 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 Montclair State University?
At $22,551 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Montclair State University a good choice for Liberal Arts & Humanities despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Montclair State 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 →