Analysis
A bachelor's in History from Manchester appears to track with typical Indiana outcomes, though the uncertainty around these estimates matters. Similar programs across Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $35,500 and debt near $27,000—a ratio of 0.76 that's manageable but not generous. For context, this estimated earning power sits right at Indiana's median for History programs and notably above the national median of $31,220, which suggests Hoosier History graduates generally fare better than their peers elsewhere.
The challenge is understanding where Manchester specifically fits within Indiana's range. The state's top History programs—Notre Dame, Wabash, and the University of Southern Indiana—all report first-year earnings between $39,000 and $41,000, considerably above what peer programs suggest for Manchester. Meanwhile, IU-Bloomington and IU-Indianapolis cluster closer to the statewide median. Without Manchester's actual outcomes, it's unclear whether their graduates command premiums closer to the state's private liberal arts leaders or track with the broader middle pack.
The practical question: Can your child service $27,000 in debt on $35,500? Likely yes, but barely—monthly payments would claim a meaningful chunk of early-career income. Before committing, press Manchester's career services office for concrete placement data specific to their History graduates. Where do they actually land, and how quickly? With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, the school serves many price-sensitive families who need this program to translate into stable employment, not just a credential.
Where Manchester University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (36 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,090 | $35,509* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $10,136 | $40,692* | $37,359 | $21,629* | 0.53 | |
| $62,693 | $39,522* | $63,592 | $19,000* | 0.48 | |
| $49,125 | $39,138* | $51,232 | $27,000* | 0.69 | |
| $11,790 | $31,880* | $50,828 | $23,754* | 0.75 | |
| $10,449 | $31,526* | $39,661 | $27,000* | 0.86 | |
| 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 Manchester University, approximately 44% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.