Analysis
ASU's digital history program commands a premium price—graduates carry $28,513 in debt compared to the $24,000 national median—but the earnings justify it. One year out, graduates earn $39,283, putting them in the 88th percentile nationally and outpacing the national median for history majors by more than $8,000. That's a substantial advantage in a field where many programs leave graduates struggling to repay loans.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means students borrow less than they'll earn in their first year—a healthy starting point. Earnings climb to $42,745 by year four, showing 9% growth and confirming this isn't just an initial advantage. Among Arizona's seven history programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, essentially matching the state median. Grand Canyon edges ahead slightly at $43,596, but ASU's digital immersion format delivers comparable outcomes.
For parents weighing a history degree's practicality, this program makes the case that liberal arts can lead to stable employment without crippling debt. The combination of above-average starting pay and manageable borrowing means graduates enter the job market with genuine financial flexibility. If your child is committed to studying history, this represents one of the stronger bets nationally—a program that proves affordable and delivers results that most humanities programs simply don't match.
Where Arizona State University Digital Immersion Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Arizona State University Digital Immersion 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $39,283 | $42,745 | +9% |
| Northern Arizona University | $28,862 | $43,992 | +52% |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $39,283 | $42,745 | +9% |
| University of Arizona | $30,592 | $41,416 | +35% |
| Grand Canyon University | $43,596 | $40,329 | -7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale | — | $39,283 | $42,745 | $28,513 | 0.73 |
 Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix | $17,450 | $43,596 | $40,329 | $32,237 | 0.74 |
| Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe | $12,051 | $39,283 | $42,745 | $28,513 | 0.73 |
 University of ArizonaTucson | $13,626 | $30,592 | $41,416 | $25,250 | 0.83 |
 Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff | $12,652 | $28,862 | $43,992 | $21,250 | 0.74 |
| 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 Arizona State University Digital Immersion, approximately 38% 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 204 graduates with reported earnings and 280 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.