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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,370 | $32,383 | $42,674 | $26,999 | 0.83 | |
| $69,045 | $53,828 | $70,499 | $22,000 | 0.41 | |
| $66,246 | $48,092 | — | $16,425 | 0.34 | |
| $66,014 | $44,706 | $72,818 | $16,884 | 0.38 | |
| $7,410 | $43,874 | $42,716 | $15,090 | 0.34 | |
| $60,438 | $39,636 | $55,058 | $19,000 | 0.48 | |
| 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 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.