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Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities — 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities →

Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities program score?
This program scores 38/100 — 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 →