Liberal Arts and Sciences at Ball State University
Ball State University accepts 72% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 13,770 students in Muncie, IN.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $20,178 place Ball State University below the $27,616 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
The 16.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI exposure is significant at 0% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
At #805 out of 830 programs, Ball State University's financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $20,178 to $56,983 over five years (182% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary teachers, all other | $78,490 | +1.8% | 100% |
About Liberal Arts and Sciences Careers
Your studies in humanities and sciences can lead to a career shaping minds in higher education. As a community college instructor, your days are focused on the classroom. You’ll craft engaging lectures, lead discussions on foundational texts, and spend afternoons in office hours, helping students one-on-one with their essays and research projects. At a four-year university, your role often expands to include original research, meaning you might spend your mornings teaching a seminar and your afternoons in the library archives, contributing new knowledge to your field by writing articles and books.
Compare & Explore
Liberal Arts and Sciences Overview
Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.