Liberal Arts & Humanities at Valdosta State University

Valdosta, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,441/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 20.9x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #279 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

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 $479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.9x 20.9x 19.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.4x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$24,028
Out-of-state: $68,248 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,192
-88% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,788
13.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,444
75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,441 place Valdosta State University below the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 20.9x 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #279 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs places Valdosta State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,441-to-$44,444 earnings arc over five years reflects a 75% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 6,858 students in Valdosta, GA. 51% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Valdosta 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

Other Majors at Valdosta State University

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

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at Valdosta State University?
At 29/100, 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 Valdosta State University?
At $28,788 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Valdosta State University a good choice for Liberal Arts & Humanities despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Valdosta State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →