Liberal Arts & Humanitiesat St. John's College
Graduates earn $23,029/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Liberal Arts & Humanities average. Base-case 10-year earnings $401K; scenarios range from $376K to $401K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at St. John's College
The distinct "Great Books" curriculum at St. John's fosters unparalleled critical thinking and intellectual depth, a truly unique educational experience that attracts a specific kind of learner. However, this rigorous, non-vocational approach means you won't be emerging with direct, high-demand technical skills. The early career earnings reflect this reality; graduates often pursue paths requiring further education, like doctoral studies for postsecondary teaching roles, or enter fields such as non-profits, publishing, or arts administration where initial compensation may be modest. The Santa Fe labor market, while rich in cultural and government opportunities, doesn't offer the robust corporate pipelines found in larger economic centers. You'll gain exceptional analytical abilities, but translating that into competitive early-career income demands significant proactive career planning, strategic internships, or a clear trajectory towards graduate school.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to St. John's College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Liberal Arts & Humanities
How St. John's College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Liberal Arts & Humanities offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Liberal Arts & Humanities trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Liberal Arts & Humanities at St. John's College
What does a 9/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at St. John's College?
At 9/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Liberal Arts & Humanities degree from St. John's College?
At $26,697 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is St. John's College a good choice for Liberal Arts & Humanities despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If St. John's College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.