Liberal Arts & Humanities at William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,581/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #259 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 $559K $559K $535K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.2x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,600
Out-of-state: $97,856 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$71,056
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,750
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,634
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,581/yr, roughly in line with the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% 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 $20,750 against $32,581/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #259 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs places William Paterson University of New Jersey in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $32,581-to-$55,634 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson University of New Jersey accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 6,526 students in Wayne, NJ. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at William Paterson University of New Jersey →

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 William Paterson University of New Jersey

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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts & Humanities at William Paterson University of New Jersey?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 →