History at Augusta University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Augusta University's history program shows initial earnings well below both Georgia and national benchmarks—about $4,000 less than the typical Georgia history graduate—placing it in the bottom 40% statewide. That first year at $28,689 is notably low, though the $26,000 debt load is at least manageable relative to what graduates owe. However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these figures could swing significantly with just a few data points.
The one bright spot is earnings trajectory: graduates see 50% income growth by year four, reaching $43,074. That's substantial improvement and suggests the degree provides transferable skills that gain value with experience, even if the starting point is weak. Still, even after that growth, earnings remain below what graduates from University of North Georgia or University of West Georgia see right out of the gate.
For families comparing Georgia options, this program ranks in the middle-to-lower tier. The debt burden won't be crushing, but the below-average starting salary means a slower path to financial stability than most Georgia history programs offer. Given the small sample and Augusta's 89% admission rate, prospective students should verify recent placement outcomes directly with the department before committing.
Where Augusta University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Augusta University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Augusta University graduates earn $29k, placing them in the 32th percentile of all history bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (43 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta University | $28,689 | $43,074 | $26,000 | 0.91 |
| University of North Georgia | $38,226 | $47,449 | $22,312 | 0.58 |
| University of West Georgia | $35,074 | $39,830 | $29,990 | 0.86 |
| Emory University | $33,710 | $50,737 | $21,000 | 0.62 |
| Dalton State College | $32,899 | $38,495 | — | — |
| Kennesaw State University | $32,752 | $37,170 | $26,485 | 0.81 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in Georgia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Georgia Dahlonega | $5,009 | $38,226 | $22,312 |
| University of West Georgia Carrollton | $5,971 | $35,074 | $29,990 |
| Emory University Atlanta | $60,774 | $33,710 | $21,000 |
| Dalton State College Dalton | $3,283 | $32,899 | — |
| Kennesaw State University Kennesaw | $5,786 | $32,752 | $26,485 |
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 Augusta University, 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.