History at Franklin College

Indiana's history programs show considerable variation, with top earners at University of Southern Indiana reaching over $40,000 while others hover around $32,000. Franklin College's estimated first-year earnings of $35,509—drawn from the state median across comparable programs—would place it in the middle of this pack, slightly ahead of the national median of $31,220 but behind several Indiana peers.

The estimated $27,000 in debt is manageable compared to many bachelor's programs, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76. This suggests graduates earning at the state median level could reasonably handle their loan payments, though they won't have the financial cushion that higher-earning programs provide. With nearly 40% of Franklin students receiving Pell grants, families should recognize that these debt estimates represent typical borrowing patterns and individual circumstances may differ.

The challenge with history degrees isn't necessarily the debt load—it's the earnings trajectory. Unlike technical fields where starting salaries climb quickly, humanities graduates often need several years to reach higher earning potential through career development. The mid-$30,000 range is workable if your child views this degree as a stepping stone to graduate school, law school, or careers in education, nonprofit work, or public service where the credential matters more than immediate earnings. If they're expecting this bachelor's degree alone to deliver financial independence quickly, the estimated figures suggest they should prepare for a modest start.