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Liberal Arts and Sciences at Dakota State University

Madison, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,119/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (9.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #128 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 $483K $483K $458K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.5x 12.5x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.5x 9.5x 9.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,532
Out-of-state: $50,940 (9.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,900
-105% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,500
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,119/yr, edging above the $37,172 national average for Liberal Arts and Sciences — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 12.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 5%. Career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

The $25,500 debt-to-$41,119 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #128 out of 424 programs, Dakota State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

About Dakota State University

Dakota State University has a 98% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,969 students in Madison, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at Dakota 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

Compare this program → View all 424 schools offering Liberal Arts and Sciences →

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($103,135) DePaul University ($84,066) Molloy College ($74,868) Bentley University ($72,333) Champlain College ($71,207) Georgetown University ($66,719) Thomas More University ($62,607) Drexel University ($62,470)

Other Majors at Dakota State University

Information Science/Studies ($63,636) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($61,287) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($58,166) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($46,627) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,748) Special Education and Teaching ($42,318) Computer Software and Media Applications ($26,379)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Liberal Arts and Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Dakota State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts and Sciences. 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 →