Liberal Arts and Sciences at Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,464/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #181 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 50%

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 $503K $503K $478K
Earnings Multiple 13.2x 13.2x 12.6x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$37,984
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,128
-53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,292
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,464/yr, roughly in line with the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $22,000 against $35,464/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #181 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Southeast Missouri State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 36% earnings increase from $35,464 to $48,292 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State University accepts 78% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 6,588 students in Cape Girardeau, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Southeast Missouri 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

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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

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Southeast Missouri State University?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →