Liberal Arts & Humanities at Southern University at New Orleans

New Orleans, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,777/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #370 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

Program Analysis

Your journey with a general humanities degree from Southern University at New Orleans will immerse you in a rich academic environment, but it's important to understand how that translates to the local job market. New Orleans' economy, while vibrant, is heavily influenced by tourism, hospitality, non-profits, and local government, fields that often have different salary structures compared to national averages, especially at entry-level. This program provides a broad, versatile skillset—critical thinking, communication, and adaptability—which are invaluable. However, without a highly specialized focus, initial career paths often lead to roles in administrative support, community organizations, or cultural institutions within the city. Many graduates build foundational experience here before leveraging their skills into management, further education, or more specialized fields. To maximize your earning potential, actively seek internships that align with specific career interests, and consider pairing your studies with a minor or certificate in a more directly vocational area like business, digital media, or even K-12 education, to create a clearer pathway into higher-paying roles.

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 $403K $403K $379K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.5x 13.5x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.2x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,960
Out-of-state: $65,560 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,040
-104% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$36,000
16.8 months of Year 1 earnings

About Southern University at New Orleans

Southern University at New Orleans's 60% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,095 in New Orleans, LA. 45% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern University at New Orleans →

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 Southern University at New Orleans

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southern University at New Orleans's Liberal Arts & Humanities program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Southern University at New Orleans Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.4x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Liberal Arts & Humanities earnings lower at Southern University at New Orleans?
Lower starting pay at Southern University at New Orleans may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →