Liberal Arts and Sciences at Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,784/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 8.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #369 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 $414K $414K $389K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.1x 8.1x 7.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 6.0x
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, In-State (Sticker)
$51,052
Out-of-state: $64,380 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,468
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,782
11.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $27,784 per year, Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn below the $37,172 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 8.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 $26,782 against $27,784/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #369 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places Western Connecticut State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Western Connecticut State University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Western Connecticut State University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,434 students in Danbury, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Connecticut State 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

Other Majors at Western Connecticut State University

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

What does a 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at Western Connecticut State University?
At 22/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Western Connecticut State University a good choice for Liberal Arts and Sciences despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Connecticut State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →