Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,767/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #213 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 $533K $533K $508K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,384
-17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,660
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,130
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,767/yr, roughly in line with the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

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 $27,660 debt-to-$35,767 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #213 out of 424 programs, Grand Valley State University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,767 to $53,130 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University accepts 95% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 19,073 students in Allendale, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley 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

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at Grand Valley State University

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 Grand Valley State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
This program scores 33/100 — 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 →