History at Bemidji State University

Similar history programs across Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $39,000—a figure that puts this above the national median for history majors by nearly 25%. That's meaningful context, even if we're working with estimated figures because the graduate sample here is too small for the Department of Education to report specific outcomes.

The estimated debt of $26,743 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68, meaning graduates would owe less than seven months of their first-year salary. This aligns closely with what other Minnesota public universities report for history degrees. Nationally, history programs carry a median debt of $24,000, so this estimate tracks with what's typical for the field. The challenge isn't the debt load itself—it's whether history majors build salary momentum over time, since humanities graduates often start lower but can advance into education, nonprofit leadership, law, or public service roles where mid-career earnings improve substantially.

For families evaluating Bemidji State specifically, the key uncertainty is whether this particular program produces outcomes consistent with other Minnesota history degrees, or whether its rural location and smaller alumni network might limit initial opportunities. The accessible admission profile (71% acceptance rate) suggests this could work well for students who need a supportive environment to complete their degree, but you'll want to investigate career services, internship pipelines, and graduate school placement rates to gauge whether students actually transition into careers that justify even this moderate debt load.