Liberal Arts & Humanitiesat Montclair State University
Graduates earn $22,201/yr in their first year — about 40.0% below the national Liberal Arts & Humanities average. Base-case 10-year earnings $612K; scenarios range from $587K to $612K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Montclair State University
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Montclair State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Liberal Arts & Humanities
How Montclair State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Montclair State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Montclair State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Liberal Arts & Humanities offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Liberal Arts & Humanities trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Liberal Arts & Humanities at Montclair State University
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.