History at Augsburg University

With estimated debt around $26,000 and first-year earnings near $39,000 based on comparable Minnesota history programs, this represents a more manageable financial picture than you'll find at many liberal arts colleges. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 suggests graduates could realistically pay down their loans within a few years if they pursue steady employment—a threshold that matters when more than half the student body receives Pell grants.

Minnesota's history graduates appear to outpace the national median by roughly $8,000 in first-year earnings, which may reflect the Twin Cities job market and regional economy. Still, $39,000 starting salary requires careful budgeting, especially if your student is taking on the full estimated debt load. Programs at Minnesota State-Mankato and UMN-Duluth show similar earnings patterns in the state, while UMN-Twin Cities' lower starting figure might reflect graduates pursuing more competitive positions or graduate school paths.

The reality is that history majors rarely pursue teaching or academic careers exclusively—many move into nonprofit work, communications, or business roles where the degree serves as a foundation rather than a direct credential. For this to work financially at Augsburg, your student would need to be strategic about internships and career planning from day one, and you'd want to minimize any borrowing beyond these estimated figures. If they're exploring this major, confirm they understand the employment landscape and have realistic plans for translating the degree into stable income.