History at California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA's History program starts rough but shows real momentum—graduates earn just $26,862 in year one but climb to $34,625 by year four, a 29% jump that outpaces typical humanities trajectories. While the first-year figure sits below both state and national medians, that four-year mark pulls ahead of the national average and closes most of the gap with California peers. The program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, which is middle-of-the-pack territory but represents solid ground considering the institution serves predominantly first-generation students (66% receive Pell grants).

The debt picture deserves attention: at $14,721, graduates carry significantly less burden than the $24,000 national median, though it's still slightly below California's $16,304 average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 means borrowers face about seven months of first-year salary in debt—manageable, especially as earnings improve. The moderate sample size suggests these figures should be reasonably reliable, though not definitive.

For families prioritizing accessibility and upward mobility over immediate earning power, this program delivers what Cal State LA does best: affordable education that positions graduates for steady advancement. The initial salary requires patience and likely supplemental support, but the trajectory shows graduates gaining traction in their careers rather than stalling out.