History at Georgia State University

Georgia State's History program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—matching the state median for starting salaries and ranking in the 60th percentile among Georgia programs. What sets it apart is the debt picture: graduates leave with $26,500, which is just slightly above typical but still manageable at an 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means you'd owe less than a year's salary, and the relatively low debt percentile (26th) suggests most history programs nationally saddle students with more borrowing.

The $32,602 starting salary isn't going to wow anyone, and it's true that University of North Georgia graduates earn about $6,000 more right out of the gate. But for a large urban university where half the students receive Pell grants, Georgia State delivers solid access without crushing debt loads. The 9% earnings bump by year four shows steady if unspectacular growth, and you're staying close to what Emory history grads make despite GSU's much lower sticker price and easier admission.

For families concerned about return on investment, this is what a reasonable humanities degree looks like: modest starting pay offset by modest debt, at an institution that educates economically diverse students. If your child is set on history and wants to stay in Georgia, this program won't lead the rankings but won't break the bank either.