Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 positions this program favorably compared to many humanities degrees, though the figures here require significant context. Because Concordia-Saint Paul's history graduate cohort is too small for federal reporting, these numbers reflect patterns from comparable Minnesota history programs and similar private nonprofit institutions nationally. The estimated $39,186 in first-year earnings matches the state median exactly, while the projected $25,946 in debt sits just below the Minnesota average—suggesting this program tracks with typical outcomes across the state's history degrees rather than standing apart.
What matters most is how these estimates translate practically. Similar programs suggest graduates earn enough to manage the debt burden relatively comfortably, with monthly payments likely consuming a manageable portion of take-home pay under standard repayment plans. The earnings figure also exceeds the national history median by roughly $8,000, reflecting Minnesota's somewhat stronger job market for liberal arts graduates. However, the comparison with University of Minnesota-Duluth ($42,297) and the Twin Cities campus ($26,635) shows the wide range of outcomes possible within the state—driven more by local job markets and employer networks than by the history curriculum itself.
The key consideration: you're making an investment decision with borrowed data points. If your child has strong ties to the Twin Cities area and clear career plans that leverage a history degree, these estimates suggest reasonable financial outcomes. If they're uncertain about location or post-graduation direction, the lack of program-specific data means you're operating with less certainty than you might want for this price point.
Where Concordia University-Saint Paul Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (28 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $39,186* | — | $25,946* | — | |
| $14,318 | $42,297* | — | $26,743* | 0.63 | |
| $9,490 | $39,186* | $42,443 | $27,000* | 0.69 | |
| $16,488 | $26,635* | $43,487 | $19,500* | 0.73 | |
| 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 Concordia University-Saint Paul, approximately 34% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.