Liberal Arts and Sciences at Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,587/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #103 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $551K $551K $526K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.9x 15.9x 15.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.2x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,568
Out-of-state: $76,328 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,564
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,350
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,880
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Shepherd University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning $33,587/yr — within striking distance of the $37,172 national average for this field.

With a 15.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $21,350 against $33,587/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Shepherd University ranks #103 among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $33,587-to-$54,880 earnings arc over five years reflects a 63% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Shepherd University

A 96% acceptance rate means Shepherd University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,375 students in Shepherdstown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at Shepherd 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 and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Shepherd University

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

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Shepherd University?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Shepherd University one of the best schools for Liberal Arts and Sciences?
Among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, Shepherd University's #103 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →