History at CUNY Queens College

Queens College's History program shows an unusually slow start that eventually recovers—first-year graduates earn just $27,769, landing in the 25th percentile nationally and 40th percentile statewide. That's about $3,400 below New York's median for history majors. But the trajectory shifts dramatically: by year four, earnings jump 87% to nearly $52,000, well above both state and national benchmarks. The modest $13,000 debt load (one of the lowest in the state) keeps the program financially accessible during those lean early years.

This pattern likely reflects Queens College's working-class student body (48% receive Pell grants) taking longer to convert their degrees into career-level positions. The initial gap suggests many graduates start in entry-level roles that don't require a bachelor's degree, then transition into better-paying work as they build experience and professional networks. For families who can provide financial support during the first year or two post-graduation—or students comfortable piecing together initial employment—the low debt burden significantly reduces risk.

The key question is whether your family can manage that first-year earning period. With debt payments that amount to less than half of first-year income, the financial pressure is manageable compared to most history programs. If your student plans to live at home initially or has a financial cushion, this represents a legitimate path to solid mid-career earnings without the debt burden that typically comes with the territory.