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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $64,812 | $34,657 | $54,968 | $21,500 | 0.62 | |
| $64,700 | $54,700 | $77,988 | $12,000 | 0.22 | |
| $12,828 | $34,858 | — | $19,500 | 0.56 | |
| $12,460 | $30,301 | $44,475 | $23,604 | 0.78 | |
| $20,366 | $27,581 | $48,903 | $22,470 | 0.81 | |
| $17,462 | $27,581 | $48,903 | $22,470 | 0.81 | |
| 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 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.