Liberal Arts and Sciences at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,545/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #209 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs Top 50%

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 $500K $500K $475K
Earnings Multiple 9.4x 9.4x 9.0x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,900
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,439
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,545 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.

At 9.4x 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.

The $27,900 debt-to-$37,545 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #209 out of 424 programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Liberal Arts and Sciences offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $37,545 to $48,439 shows 29% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 8,116 in Carbondale, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →

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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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 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale'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 →