Liberal Arts and Sciences at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,829/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #63 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 and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $556K $556K $532K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.1x 12.1x 11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.0x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,752
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,687
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,785
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,829/yr, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Texas State University land near the $37,172 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 12.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 4%. Career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

The $22,687 debt-to-$38,829 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #63 out of 424 programs, Texas State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,829 to $57,785 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Texas State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Texas State University prioritizes broad access, with 34,547 students enrolled in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas 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 and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas State University

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

How does Texas State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Texas State University rank so high for Liberal Arts and Sciences?
The #63 ranking out of 424 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →