Liberal Arts and Sciences at Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,746/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #296 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 and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $456K $456K $431K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 10.0x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,744
Out-of-state: $108,000 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,664
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,352
13% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,746/yr, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Western Kentucky University land near the $37,172 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 10.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic ten-year scenarios is just 5% — this field's hands-on core resists automation.

Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $35,746 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #296 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, Western Kentucky University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $40,352 are relatively flat compared to the $35,746 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About Western Kentucky University

With 97% of applicants admitted, Western Kentucky University prioritizes broad access, serving 12,267 students in Bowling Green, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Kentucky University →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Western Kentucky University?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →