Analysis
Clemson's history program delivers earnings that consistently outpace what most graduates in this field can expect. At $36,199 in the first year, graduates earn 16% more than the national median and 20% more than typical history majors in South Carolina. That gap widens over time, with four-year earnings reaching $43,894—a 21% increase that suggests graduates are building toward career advancement rather than stalling out.
The debt picture reinforces the value. With $24,550 owed at graduation and a 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates face manageable repayment relative to what they're earning. Within South Carolina, only The Citadel produces history graduates with significantly higher earnings, though that comparison comes with the obvious caveat of military service obligations. Clemson ranks second among major state programs, performing better than more established liberal arts colleges like Wofford and College of Charleston.
For families weighing the cost of a selective public university (38% admission rate, 1341 SAT average) against career outcomes, this program makes a reasonable case. History won't produce software engineer salaries, but Clemson graduates are landing in the upper tier of what's realistic for this major—both immediately and four years out.
Where Clemson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Clemson University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University | $36,199 | $43,894 | +21% |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $42,712 | $53,322 | +25% |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | $27,652 | $43,166 | +56% |
| College of Charleston | $28,449 | $38,464 | +35% |
| Coastal Carolina University | $24,172 | $37,974 | +57% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Clemson UniversityClemson | $15,554 | $36,199 | $43,894 | $24,550 | 0.68 |
 Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston | $12,570 | $42,712 | $53,322 | $25,524 | 0.60 |
 Lander UniversityGreenwood | $11,700 | $36,613 | $34,464 | $21,297 | 0.58 |
 Presbyterian CollegeClinton | $43,300 | $35,265 | $36,507 | $25,500 | 0.72 |
 Wofford CollegeSpartanburg | $54,100 | $30,189 | — | — | — |
 College of CharlestonCharleston | $12,978 | $28,449 | $38,464 | $27,000 | 0.95 |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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 Clemson University, approximately 15% 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 46 graduates with reported earnings and 69 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.