Liberal Arts and Sciences at McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,282/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (11.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #233 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 $463K $463K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.7x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.6x 11.6x 11.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 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)
$33,840
Out-of-state: $39,840 (11.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,028
-33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,377
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,559
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,282/yr, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from McNeese State University land near the $37,172 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 13.7x 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 $24,377 debt-to-$35,282 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #233 out of 424 programs, McNeese State University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $35,282 to $41,559 over five years (18% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About McNeese State University

McNeese State University accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,846 students in Lake Charles, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at McNeese 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

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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 McNeese 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 →