General Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for General Studies graduates vary by role and location. Postsecondary Teachers, All Other earn a median of $78,490 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Hawaii average $135,380 compared to $49,690 in Nevada. Approximately 151,530 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 833 accredited institutions offer General Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Utah State University (USU) (5,436 graduates), Dallas College (5,426 graduates), and Tarrant County College District (TCCD) (4,283 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 65,302 in 2010 to a peak of 133,648 in 2020, before declining slightly to 127,908 in 2023-24. This represents a 96% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Postsecondary Teachers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 151,530 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.