Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,383
56th percentile
60th percentile in New York
Median Debt
$26,999
12% above national median

Analysis

Mount Saint Mary College's history program starts graduates at $32,383—slightly above both the national and New York state medians—but the trajectory tells a more promising story. Four years out, earnings jump 32% to reach $42,674, outpacing most history programs in the state (60th percentile). The debt load of roughly $27,000 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, with graduates owing less than what they'd earn in their first year.

The catch? This data comes from a very small sample—under 30 graduates—which means one or two outliers could skew the picture considerably. Still, the fundamentals look reasonable: graduates enter the workforce earning more than their peers at most New York history programs, and they see solid earnings growth in those crucial early career years. While elite programs like Columbia and Barnard place graduates at significantly higher starting salaries, Mount Saint Mary's outcomes compare favorably to the broader field of state competitors.

For parents concerned about liberal arts ROI, this program doesn't wave red flags. The debt burden is modest, earnings growth is tangible, and graduates start ahead of most history majors statewide. Just remember the small sample caveat—ask the college about placement rates and typical career paths to validate whether these numbers represent the norm or the exception.

Where Mount Saint Mary College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Mount Saint Mary College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Mount Saint Mary College$32,383$42,674+32%
Cornell University$44,706$72,818+63%
Columbia University in the City of New York$53,828$70,499+31%
Hobart William Smith Colleges$30,710$67,364+119%
Fordham University$20,075$58,741+193%

Compare to Similar Programs in New York

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (86 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Mount Saint Mary CollegeNewburgh$41,370$32,383$42,674$26,9990.83
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York$69,045$53,828$70,499$22,0000.41
Barnard CollegeNew York$66,246$48,092—$16,4250.34
Cornell UniversityIthaca$66,014$44,706$72,818$16,8840.38
CUNY Lehman CollegeBronx$7,410$43,874$42,716$15,0900.34
New York UniversityNew York$60,438$39,636$55,058$19,0000.48
National Median—$31,220—$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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 Mount Saint Mary College, approximately 30% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.