Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,519
68th percentile (60th in TX)
Median Debt
$21,344
11% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.62
Manageable
Sample Size
23
Limited data

Analysis

Angelo State's History program punches slightly above its weight, with first-year graduates earning $34,519—ahead of both the national median ($31,220) and roughly matching the Texas state median ($34,269). The 60th percentile ranking among Texas programs is respectable for a regional university with a 79% admission rate, though graduates still trail far behind flagship institutions like UT Arlington ($44,806) and Texas A&M ($42,899). The real story here is the earnings trajectory: that 35% jump to $46,582 by year four suggests these graduates are finding their footing in careers that value critical thinking and communication skills.

The $21,344 debt load sits comfortably below both state and national medians, translating to a 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable by any standard. History majors aren't chasing six-figure starting salaries, so this relatively modest debt matters. The catch? This analysis relies on fewer than 30 graduates, meaning one exceptional earner or career path could skew the entire picture.

For families comfortable with a liberal arts bet and in-state tuition, these numbers suggest Angelo State delivers reasonable value. The debt is low enough that graduates have breathing room to pursue teaching, law school, public service, or the varied careers history majors typically follow. Just understand you're working with limited data—actual outcomes for your student could vary considerably.

Where Angelo State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Angelo State UniversityOther history programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Angelo State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Angelo State University graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 68th percentile of all history bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (69 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Angelo State University$34,519$46,582$21,3440.62
University of Houston-Clear Lake$57,239$48,906$22,6250.40
The University of Texas at Arlington$44,806$53,170$24,8750.56
Texas A&M University-College Station$42,899$51,887$20,4100.48
University of Houston$39,240$50,957$21,2500.54
Texas Tech University$38,687$49,562$22,2500.58
National Median$31,220—$24,0000.77

Other History Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston
$7,746$57,239$22,625
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington
$11,728$44,806$24,875
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station
$13,099$42,899$20,410
University of Houston
Houston
$9,711$39,240$21,250
Texas Tech University
Lubbock
$11,852$38,687$22,250

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Angelo State University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 23 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.