Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (49 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Guilford College$36,341
Duke University$60,750$83,943$13,0000.21
Western Carolina University$34,909$42,612$24,0040.69
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill$34,592$43,835$14,8380.43
University of North Carolina at Charlotte$33,791$43,572$24,4570.72
North Carolina State University at Raleigh$33,251$46,314$19,8000.60
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Other History Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Duke University
Durham
$65,805$60,750$13,000
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee
$4,532$34,909$24,004
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill
$8,989$34,592$14,838
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte
$7,214$33,791$24,457
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh
$8,895$33,251$19,800

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 Guilford College, approximately 44% 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.