History at Auburn University

Auburn's History program produces graduates who start modestly but gain ground quickly—first-year earnings of $30,458 jump 40% to $42,490 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the below-average starting salary. Among Alabama's 24 history programs, this one ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, positioning itself as a solid mid-tier option in a state where history degrees rarely break $40,000 even at graduation.

The $22,500 in median debt is actually lower than both the national and state averages for history majors, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio that shrinks considerably as graduates advance. By year four, Auburn history grads are earning nearly double their debt load—a healthy position that suggests most will be able to handle repayment without excessive strain. The program trails Troy University's stronger $39,591 median but outperforms several in-state alternatives.

The real question is whether your student is positioned to leverage that earnings growth. History majors typically need to develop marketable skills beyond the degree itself—whether that's pivoting to education, law school preparation, or corporate roles. Auburn's respectable admission standards and relatively low Pell Grant percentage suggest students here may have the resources and networks to capitalize on that trajectory. If your child has a clear post-graduation plan that uses the history degree as a foundation rather than an endpoint, the combination of reasonable debt and strong earnings growth makes this a defensible choice.