Liberal Arts and Sciences at Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,783/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #216 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 $456K $456K $431K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.6x 12.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.8x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 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)
$33,600
Out-of-state: $67,200 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,612
-39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,604
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,509
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,783 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 13.6x 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 $21,604 debt-to-$36,783 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #216 out of 424 programs, Missouri Southern 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: $36,783 to $40,509 over five years (10% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 3,101 students in Joplin, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Missouri Southern 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

Other Majors at Missouri Southern State University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 Missouri Southern State University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
This program scores 33/100 — 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 →