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Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities 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 & Humanities at University of South Dakota?

At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts & Humanities 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 →