History at Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State's history program occupies middle ground in Massachusetts—earning above the state median but well below flagship public universities and elite private colleges. Graduates earn $34,215 initially and $41,834 after four years, placing them around the 60th percentile among Bay State history programs. That's a meaningful gap from UMass-Boston ($46,908) or even nearby Fitchburg State ($46,184), though it does beat the national median by about $3,000.

The financial equation looks manageable. At $27,000 in debt—only slightly above the national average—graduates face a debt load that equals 79% of their first-year earnings. This ratio typically allows for comfortable repayment, especially as earnings grow 22% by year four. For families concerned about affordability, Bridgewater delivers near-median outcomes without excessive borrowing.

The real question is opportunity cost. If your child can access UMass-Boston or similar programs that offer 12-20% higher starting salaries for comparable debt, that math matters over a career. But for students drawn to Bridgewater's campus or who need the accessibility of an 89% acceptance rate, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt while pursuing a humanities degree—a legitimate concern for many history majors nationwide.