Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,657
69th percentile
80th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$21,500
10% below national median

Analysis

Connecticut College history graduates start modestly but show impressive trajectory: first-year earnings of $35,000 jump nearly 60% to $55,000 by year four. That puts this program ahead of 80% of Connecticut history programs and 69% nationally—impressive given that most liberal arts majors struggle in today's market. With manageable debt of $21,500 (about 0.6 times first-year income), graduates can realistically handle their loan payments even during those leaner early years.

The catch? These numbers represent fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary significantly. Still, the earnings pattern makes intuitive sense: history majors often need time to find their footing in fields like education, nonprofit work, or public policy before their earnings accelerate. The strong mid-career numbers suggest Connecticut College's network and credential open doors that create real upward mobility.

For families comfortable with selectivity (38% admission rate, 1400+ SAT average) and a slower financial start, this program delivers long-term value that outpaces most state alternatives. Just recognize you're betting on growth over time rather than immediate payoff—and with a small sample, outcomes may be less predictable than larger programs.

Where Connecticut College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Connecticut College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Connecticut College$34,657$54,968+59%
Yale University$54,700$77,988+43%
University of Connecticut$27,581$48,903+77%
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus$27,581$48,903+77%
University of Connecticut-Avery Point$27,581$48,903+77%

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Connecticut CollegeNew London$64,812$34,657$54,968$21,5000.62
Yale UniversityNew Haven$64,700$54,700$77,988$12,0000.22
Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven$12,828$34,858$19,5000.56
Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain$12,460$30,301$44,475$23,6040.78
University of ConnecticutStorrs$20,366$27,581$48,903$22,4700.81
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury$17,462$27,581$48,903$22,4700.81
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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 Connecticut College, approximately 14% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.