History at Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
History graduates from Millersville start earning below their Pennsylvania peers, but four years out they're pulling ahead of 60% of history programs in the state—a trajectory that separates this from many liberal arts degrees that plateau early. The $30,792 starting salary climbs to $41,577 by year four, a 35% jump that suggests these graduates are finding their footing in fields where history degrees translate to real career progression.
The $26,000 debt load sits below Pennsylvania's median for history programs, making the initial earnings dip more manageable. While you won't see Penn's $48,555 starting numbers, you're also avoiding the financial burden that can come with elite private schools. The key question is whether your child can weather those first couple of years when earnings lag behind—many history grads need time to build careers in education, government, or research where entry-level pay doesn't reflect long-term potential.
For families comfortable with a slower burn rather than immediate financial returns, this program delivers reasonable value. The combination of below-average debt and above-average growth suggests Millersville's history graduates are learning to leverage their degree effectively, even if the initial payoff requires patience.
Where Millersville University of Pennsylvania 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 Millersville University of Pennsylvania graduates compare to all programs nationally
Millersville University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 47th 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 Pennsylvania
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (75 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $30,792 | $41,577 | $26,000 | 0.84 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $48,555 | $76,695 | $11,000 | 0.23 |
| Lycoming College | $35,026 | $34,345 | — | — |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | $34,682 | $40,710 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania | $34,460 | $39,878 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
| Temple University | $33,586 | $45,870 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $48,555 | $11,000 |
| Lycoming College Williamsport | $47,675 | $35,026 | — |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock | $10,507 | $34,682 | $27,000 |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Shippensburg | $13,544 | $34,460 | $27,000 |
| Temple University Philadelphia | $22,082 | $33,586 | $26,000 |
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 Millersville University of Pennsylvania, approximately 27% 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 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.