Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities at Shepherd University?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Shepherd University one of the best schools for Liberal Arts & Humanities?
Among 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 →