History at DePauw University

DePauw's estimated debt load of $27,000 sits above what most Indiana history programs report, while earnings projections track right at the state median of $35,509. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 means graduates might face monthly payments consuming roughly 10-12% of their gross income—manageable but tight for entry-level pay. The university's selective profile (54% admission rate, SAT average of 1287) and low Pell enrollment suggest a wealthier student body who may have family resources to cushion the financial transition, but for families borrowing the full amount, this creates a careful first few years post-graduation.

What complicates the picture is that top history programs across Indiana—Notre Dame, Wabash, even University of Southern Indiana—show their graduates earning $39,000-$41,000 in year one, several thousand above what comparable programs suggest for DePauw. History majors often pursue graduate school, teaching, or public service careers where early earnings don't capture long-term trajectory, but those paths typically delay debt repayment and require additional borrowing. For families counting on immediate financial independence after graduation, that gap matters.

If your student is committed to history and DePauw's specific academic culture, this isn't a prohibitive investment—but the numbers suggest exploring whether peer institutions might deliver better financial positioning, especially if graduate school is on the horizon and debt will compound.