History at Framingham State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Framingham State's history program produces graduates who earn slightly above the Massachusetts median ($34,836 vs. $34,059), placing it in the 60th percentile statewide—a respectable position given that the state's top programs include Harvard and Amherst. The debt burden of $27,000 is remarkably low, landing in just the 5th percentile nationally, which translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78. For context, you'd be borrowing less than a year's salary, and about $2,000 more than the state median for history majors.
The gap between Framingham and Massachusetts' highest earners is significant—UMass Boston graduates earn $12,000 more annually—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift year to year. What's clear is that you're not paying elite-college debt for this degree while still landing slightly ahead of your typical Massachusetts history graduate.
For families looking at public options in Massachusetts, this combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings makes Framingham State a financially rational choice for history majors. Just don't expect the earning power of more selective programs, and verify recent placement outcomes given the limited data.
Where Framingham State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Framingham State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Framingham State University graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 70th percentile of all history bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (48 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framingham State University | $34,836 | — | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| Amherst College | $56,444 | $114,276 | — | — |
| Harvard University | $53,468 | $89,238 | $12,721 | 0.24 |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston | $46,908 | $43,311 | $24,862 | 0.53 |
| Fitchburg State University | $46,184 | — | $21,635 | 0.47 |
| College of the Holy Cross | $42,345 | $65,505 | $27,000 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst College Amherst | $67,280 | $56,444 | — |
| Harvard University Cambridge | $59,076 | $53,468 | $12,721 |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston | $15,496 | $46,908 | $24,862 |
| Fitchburg State University Fitchburg | $11,046 | $46,184 | $21,635 |
| College of the Holy Cross Worcester | $60,850 | $42,345 | $27,000 |
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 Framingham State University, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.