History at Miami University-Oxford
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Miami University-Oxford's history program outperforms most Ohio competitors, placing in the 60th percentile statewide—notably above the state median of $26,910. First-year graduates earn $31,194, which matches the national median almost exactly, while significantly exceeding what history majors earn at most other Ohio universities. Only Akron edges ahead slightly among public institutions in the state.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $26,000, translating to a 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's lower than the national median for history programs, meaning graduates here carry less debt relative to their earnings than typical history majors elsewhere. Earnings growth to $36,425 by year four shows a solid 17% trajectory, suggesting graduates gain traction in the job market after that challenging first year.
For an 82% admission rate school with strong academic credentials (SAT of 1313), this represents solid middle-of-the-pack performance. History isn't going to generate tech-sector salaries anywhere, but Miami graduates are clearing the bar set by most Ohio programs while taking on manageable debt. If your student is committed to studying history and considering Ohio public universities, this program delivers competitive preparation without the debt load that could make the liberal arts degree financially prohibitive.
Where Miami University-Oxford 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 Miami University-Oxford graduates compare to all programs nationally
Miami University-Oxford graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 50th 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 Ohio
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (63 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford | $31,194 | $36,425 | $26,000 | 0.83 |
| University of Akron Main Campus | $32,577 | $35,770 | $23,100 | 0.71 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $31,217 | — | $23,756 | 0.76 |
| Baldwin Wallace University | $31,163 | — | $27,000 | 0.87 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $30,226 | $36,362 | $26,000 | 0.86 |
| Cleveland State University | $29,535 | — | $25,000 | 0.85 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Akron Main Campus Akron | $12,799 | $32,577 | $23,100 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati | $13,570 | $31,217 | $23,756 |
| Baldwin Wallace University Berea | $37,938 | $31,163 | $27,000 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green | $14,081 | $30,226 | $26,000 |
| Cleveland State University Cleveland | $12,613 | $29,535 | $25,000 |
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 Miami University-Oxford, approximately 11% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 45 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.