Analysis
Miami University-Oxford's history program outperforms most Ohio competitors, placing in the 60th percentile statewideβnotably 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
Earnings Distribution
How Miami University-Oxford 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami University-Oxford | $31,194 | $36,425 | +17% |
| Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus | $26,663 | $41,697 | +56% |
| Ohio State University-Marion Campus | $26,663 | $41,697 | +56% |
| Ohio State University-Lima Campus | $26,663 | $41,697 | +56% |
| Ohio State University-Newark Campus | $26,663 | $41,697 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (63 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,809 | $31,194 | $36,425 | $26,000 | 0.83 | |
| $12,799 | $32,577 | $35,770 | $23,100 | 0.71 | |
| $13,570 | $31,217 | β | $23,756 | 0.76 | |
| $37,938 | $31,163 | β | $27,000 | 0.87 | |
| $14,081 | $30,226 | $36,362 | $26,000 | 0.86 | |
| $12,613 | $29,535 | β | $25,000 | 0.85 | |
| National Median | β | $31,220 | β | $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 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.