Liberal Arts & Humanities at Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,316/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 1.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #362 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

Program Analysis

While Vassar's reputation for academic excellence is undeniable, the initial earnings data for a general humanities degree often reflects a different career trajectory than highly specialized fields. Graduates typically leverage their exceptional critical thinking and communication skills in competitive sectors like publishing, arts and culture, non-profits, or education, where early-career salaries may not immediately match those in finance or engineering. The program excels at preparing you for graduate studies in law, medicine, or advanced humanities, and the strong alumni network is crucial for opening doors. Your career path will likely be less linear, valuing intellectual depth and adaptable skills over immediate vocational specialization. To maximize your return, actively pursue internships and cultivate specific professional skills alongside your broad liberal arts foundation.

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 $453K $453K $428K
Earnings Multiple 1.7x 1.7x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,728
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,650
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

About Vassar College

Admission to Vassar College is competitive, with 18% of applicants accepted, a smaller institution with 2,430 students in Poughkeepsie, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,728 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Vassar College →

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 Vassar College

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 Vassar College's Liberal Arts & Humanities program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →