History at Holy Cross College

A $27,000 debt load for a history degree presents immediate challenges when similar programs in Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $35,500. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 means roughly nine months of gross income goes toward paying off student loans—manageable compared to some liberal arts programs, but still a significant financial obligation for a field where starting salaries tend to plateau early.

The estimated figures here come from peer programs across Indiana, since Holy Cross College's history graduate cohort is too small for the Department of Education to publish specific outcomes. What's revealing is the spread among Indiana history programs with reported data: University of Southern Indiana graduates earn $40,692 in their first year, while Indiana University-Indianapolis sits at $31,526. Holy Cross falls somewhere in the middle of this range based on comparable programs, which tracks with the school's 74% admission rate and solid but not elite academic profile.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether your student has a clear path beyond the bachelor's degree. History majors often need graduate school, additional certifications, or strategic internships to reach competitive earnings. If your child is treating this as a stepping stone to law school, teaching, or another credential-requiring field, the moderate debt burden won't sink those plans. But if they're counting on the bachelor's degree alone to launch a career, comparable programs suggest they'll be earning just enough to make the debt serviceable—not comfortable.