Liberal Arts and Sciences at Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,724/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 4.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #367 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 $429K $429K $404K
Earnings Multiple 4.9x 4.9x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$87,352
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$93,536
-7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$35,472
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,724 place Oakwood University below the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 4.9x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

With only 0% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, the scenario spread is tight at 6%. Career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences are among the more automation-resistant we measure.

The $35,472 debt load exceeds a year of the $30,724 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #367 out of 424 programs, Oakwood University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Oakwood University

A 51% admission rate makes Oakwood University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 1,253 in Huntsville, AL. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Oakwood 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

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 Oakwood University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Oakwood University Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Liberal Arts and Sciences earnings lower at Oakwood University?
Lower starting pay at Oakwood University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →