History at Montana State University

Montana State's history program starts graduates at $29,692—slightly below the national median but solidly middle-of-the-pack for Montana, where it ranks in the 60th percentile among the state's seven history programs. What distinguishes this program isn't the starting salary, but what happens next: earnings jump 34% by year four, reaching nearly $40,000. That's meaningful growth in a field that doesn't always reward patience.

The $22,500 debt load is manageable, working out to less than a year's salary even at the initial earnings level. This puts MSU below Montana's typical history program debt of $24,500, and the 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates enter the workforce without being financially hamstrung. For context, this outperforms the University of Montana's history program by more than $1,000 in starting earnings while carrying less debt.

The real question is whether your student is prepared for the reality that humanities degrees rarely lead to immediate financial comfort. If they're going into this with eyes open—understanding they'll likely need Montana's low cost of living to stretch that first-year salary—MSU provides a solid foundation. The earnings trajectory and reasonable debt suggest the degree won't become an anchor, even if it won't launch them into prosperity either.