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Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · 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 $36,532/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #230 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 $480K $480K $456K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.4x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 4.1x
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)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,768
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,888
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Iowa State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning $36,532/yr — within striking distance of the $37,172 national average for this field.

The 11.4x 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 $26,768 debt-to-$36,532 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #230 out of 424 programs, Iowa 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 $36,532 to $44,888 shows 23% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, with 25,033 students enrolled in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa 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 Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Computer Science ($78,517) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Liberal Arts and Sciences trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Iowa State University'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 →