Liberal Arts and Sciences at Indiana University-Bloomington

Bloomington, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,775/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #229 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 and Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $496K $496K $472K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.5x 10.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 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)
$47,160
Out-of-state: $161,928 (3.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,368
-30% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,380
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,775 track close to the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 10.5x 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 $18,000 debt-to-$35,775 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #229 out of 424 programs, Indiana University-Bloomington'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 $35,775 to $47,380 shows 32% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University-Bloomington has a 80% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 36,571 in Bloomington, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Bloomington →

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 Indiana University-Bloomington

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 Indiana University-Bloomington's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
This program scores 32/100 — 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 →