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Liberal Arts and Sciences at Southern Virginia University

Buena Vista, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,024/yr (-41% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 6.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #411 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	$488K	$488K	$463K
Earnings Multiple	6.1x	6.1x	5.8x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	15	15	20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$80,160

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$96,056

-20% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,125

9.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,640

85% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Southern Virginia University's Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates start at $22,024/yr, trailing the $37,172 national average by 41%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 6.1x 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 $17,125 debt-to-$22,024 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #411 out of 424 programs, Southern Virginia University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $22,024 to $40,640 over five years (85% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Southern Virginia University

A 100% acceptance rate means Southern Virginia University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 967 students in Buena Vista, VA. 43% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Virginia 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

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 Virginia University's Liberal Arts and Sciences program score?

This program scores 15/100 — on the lower end for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why are Liberal Arts and Sciences earnings lower at Southern Virginia University?

Lower starting pay at Southern Virginia 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 →