History at Minnesota State University Moorhead

A History degree with estimated debt around $26,743 and first-year earnings near $39,186—based on what similar Minnesota programs report—produces a debt-to-earnings ratio that falls within manageable territory at 0.68. That's less than a year's salary, which puts it ahead of many humanities programs nationally. The estimated earnings figure aligns with the state median for History bachelor's degrees and sits roughly $8,000 above the national median of $31,220, suggesting Minnesota's job market may offer better prospects for History graduates than many other states.

The caveat: these are estimates drawn from peer programs across Minnesota, not outcomes tracked for Minnesota State Moorhead specifically. The school's moderate admission rate and solid Pell grant enrollment indicate it serves a fairly typical state university population, which makes these peer-based projections more reliable than they might be for a highly selective or unusual institution. Still, actual outcomes could vary based on factors like internship support, alumni networks, or how well the program connects students to careers in education, nonprofits, or public history.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a History degree here won't saddle graduates with crushing debt relative to earning potential. But given the uncertainty, it's worth asking the department directly about job placement rates and whether graduates are finding work that requires the degree—not just any work.