History at Kansas State University

Kansas State history graduates start at $33,744—above the national median but notably below the $38,098 Kansas average, landing in the 40th percentile statewide. That suggests other Kansas schools, particularly the University of Kansas flagship ($42,451), may deliver stronger immediate career outcomes for history majors staying in-state.

The promising part is the trajectory: earnings jump 48% to nearly $50,000 by year four, substantially outpacing both national and state patterns for history degrees. The debt load of $19,539 is manageable—well below state and national medians—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 that history majors at pricier schools would envy. That relatively light debt burden gives graduates breathing room while their careers develop.

However, the sample size here is small (fewer than 30 graduates tracked), which means these numbers could swing significantly with different cohorts. For a Kansas family, the calculus depends on whether their student is competitive for KU or similar programs where history grads start stronger. If K-State is the right fit otherwise—and the lower debt is real—this becomes more defensible as a foundation for graduate school or career paths where the degree matters less than the credential itself.