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
Earnings Distribution
How Angelo State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | $34,519 | $46,582 | +35% |
| Southern Methodist University | $33,550 | $62,508 | +86% |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $37,450 | $55,900 | +49% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $44,806 | $53,170 | +19% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $42,899 | $51,887 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (69 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,319 | $34,519 | $46,582 | $21,344 | 0.62 | |
| $7,746 | $57,239 | $48,906 | $22,625 | 0.40 | |
| $11,728 | $44,806 | $53,170 | $24,875 | 0.56 | |
| $13,099 | $42,899 | $51,887 | $20,410 | 0.48 | |
| $9,711 | $39,240 | $50,957 | $21,250 | 0.54 | |
| $11,852 | $38,687 | $49,562 | $22,250 | 0.58 | |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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.