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
Earnings Distribution
How Millersville University of Pennsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $30,792 | $41,577 | +35% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $48,555 | $76,695 | +58% |
| University of Scranton | $26,442 | $58,428 | +121% |
| Duquesne University | $29,451 | $49,746 | +69% |
| Temple University | $33,586 | $45,870 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (75 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Millersville University of PennsylvaniaMillersville | $12,262 | $30,792 | $41,577 | $26,000 | 0.84 |
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $48,555 | $76,695 | $11,000 | 0.23 |
 Lycoming CollegeWilliamsport | $47,675 | $35,026 | $34,345 | — | — |
 Slippery Rock University of PennsylvaniaSlippery Rock | $10,507 | $34,682 | $40,710 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
 Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaShippensburg | $13,544 | $34,460 | $39,878 | $27,000 | 0.78 |
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $33,586 | $45,870 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
| 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 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.