History at Longwood University

Longwood University's History program produces graduates who substantially out-earn their peers nationally—landing in the 81st percentile—while carrying moderate debt levels. First-year graduates earn $37,404, significantly above both the national median of $31,220 and Virginia's median of $32,368. Within Virginia's 40 history programs, this places Longwood in the 60th percentile, trailing only elite institutions like Hampden-Sydney and VMI but outpacing larger schools like UVA and Liberty.

The debt picture is remarkably favorable: at $26,988, it represents just 72% of first-year earnings, well below the threshold that typically signals repayment challenges. This debt load ranks in the 6th percentile nationally—meaning 94% of history programs leave students with more debt—while earnings continue climbing to $41,782 by year four. That 12% earnings growth suggests graduates aren't hitting an immediate ceiling, though it's worth noting these outcomes are based on a moderate sample of 30-100 graduates.

For families weighing a history degree against practical concerns about employment, Longwood offers an unusually strong proposition: competitive earnings that place graduates ahead of most peers nationally, manageable debt, and steady income growth. The value here comes not from prestige but from efficient outcomes—students are getting strong results without premium debt burdens.