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Liberal Arts and Sciences at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $49,408/yr (33% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #46 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 25%

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	$516K	$516K	$491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.5x	9.5x	9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.2x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	44	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$54,304

Out-of-state: $123,160 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$87,264

-61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,000

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,680

9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of James Madison University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program earn $49,408/yr in their first year — 33% above the $37,172 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 9.5x 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.

At $21,000 in median debt against $49,408 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #46 out of 424 programs, James Madison University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $49,408 to $53,680 over five years (9% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About James Madison University

James Madison University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 20,497 students in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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 James Madison University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does James Madison University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?

This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why does James Madison University rank so high for Liberal Arts and Sciences?

The #46 ranking out of 424 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →