History at Appalachian State University

Appalachian State's history graduates start below both state and national medians, earning $28,454 in their first year—about $5,000 less than typical North Carolina history graduates. This places the program in the 40th percentile statewide and 30th nationally, lagging behind in-state peers like UNC-Chapel Hill ($34,592) and NC State ($33,251). The modest earnings growth to $32,372 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but graduates still earn less than what peers from comparable NC programs make right out of college.

The $20,400 debt load offers a silver lining—it's $3,600 below the state median and $3,600 below the national average. With a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates face roughly eight months of starting salary in loans, which is manageable territory. The combination of Appalachian State's 89% acceptance rate and moderate costs suggests an accessible path to a liberal arts degree without crushing debt.

The core question is whether the earnings gap matters for your family's situation. History majors often pursue graduate school or careers where starting salaries don't tell the full story. If your child plans to stay in North Carolina and needs a reasonably priced bachelor's degree, this works. But if immediate earning power is the priority, understand they'll likely start behind peers from other state schools, and that gap persists even four years out.