Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities. 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

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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 & Humanities at Southeast Missouri State University?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 →