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
Earnings Distribution
How Kean University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kean University | $34,934 | $51,125 | +46% |
| The College of New Jersey | $26,218 | $56,930 | +117% |
| Montclair State University | $31,607 | $49,923 | +58% |
| Monmouth University | $48,482 | $49,871 | +3% |
| Rutgers University-Camden | $33,763 | $49,001 | +45% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kean UniversityUnion | $13,426 | $34,934 | $51,125 | $26,000 | 0.74 |
 Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch | $44,850 | $48,482 | $49,871 | $27,000 | 0.56 |
 Rider UniversityLawrenceville | $38,900 | $46,393 | $48,109 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
 Princeton UniversityPrinceton | $59,710 | $45,363 | — | — | — |
 New Jersey City UniversityJersey City | $13,971 | $40,919 | $46,235 | $25,629 | 0.63 |
 Rowan UniversityGlassboro | $15,700 | $35,150 | $42,902 | $25,500 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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.