Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities. 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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

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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 & Humanities program score?
This program scores 33/100 — 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 →