History at Kean University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Kean's History program starts slow but builds momentum in ways that matter. First-year earnings of $34,934 aren't spectacular, but four years out, graduates reach $51,125—a 46% jump that outpaces typical liberal arts trajectories. That puts this program above the national median and solidly in the middle of New Jersey's competitive higher education landscape.
The debt picture is reasonable: $26,000 represents just 74% of first-year earnings, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Among New Jersey history programs, Kean sits at the 60th percentile for earnings—respectable company, even if it doesn't match Monmouth or Rider's top-tier results. For a university serving 46% Pell-eligible students with a 77% admission rate, these outcomes suggest effective career support that helps graduates gain ground after graduation.
The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means individual outcomes may vary, but the earnings trajectory is the real story here. If your child genuinely wants to study history, Kean delivers stronger mid-career results than most programs nationally while keeping debt manageable. The key question is whether that $51,000 four-year mark aligns with their career expectations—it's solid middle-class earning potential, not entry to high-income fields.
Where Kean University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Kean University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Kean University graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 71th percentile of all history bachelors programs nationally.
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 New Jersey
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (26 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kean University | $34,934 | $51,125 | $26,000 | 0.74 |
| Monmouth University | $48,482 | $49,871 | $27,000 | 0.56 |
| Rider University | $46,393 | $48,109 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| Princeton University | $45,363 | — | — | — |
| New Jersey City University | $40,919 | $46,235 | $25,629 | 0.63 |
| Rowan University | $35,150 | $42,902 | $25,500 | 0.73 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monmouth University West Long Branch | $44,850 | $48,482 | $27,000 |
| Rider University Lawrenceville | $38,900 | $46,393 | $27,000 |
| Princeton University Princeton | $59,710 | $45,363 | — |
| New Jersey City University Jersey City | $13,971 | $40,919 | $25,629 |
| Rowan University Glassboro | $15,700 | $35,150 | $25,500 |
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 Kean University, approximately 46% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 64 graduates with reported earnings and 83 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.