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Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,907/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #244 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)	12.1x	12.1x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.8x	8.8x	8.3x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	33	32	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,728

Out-of-state: $51,768 (8.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$76,620

-103% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,125

7.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of South Dakota's Liberal Arts and Sciences program produces graduates earning $35,907/yr — within striking distance of the $37,172 national average for this field.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $21,125 against $35,907/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #244 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places University of South Dakota in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of South Dakota

A 99% acceptance rate means University of South Dakota is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,239 students in Vermillion, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Dakota →

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

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at University of South Dakota?

At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →