Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,565/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #147 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 $526K $526K $502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.5x 13.5x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.9x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,844
Out-of-state: $88,764 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,412
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,248
6.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,064
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,565 track close to the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 13.5x 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 $18,248 against $35,565/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #147 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places University of Houston in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 46% earnings increase from $35,565 to $52,064 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Houston

With a 70% acceptance rate, University of Houston is moderately selective, one of the larger campuses at 37,175 students in Houston, TX. With 41% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston →

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 University of Houston

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of Houston?
At 37/100, 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 →