Analysis
Nazareth University's history graduates earn substantially more than typical history majors—about $6,500 above the national median and $11,500 above New York's state median in their first year. That 82nd percentile national ranking is impressive for a liberal arts degree, though the small sample size means individual outcomes can vary widely. The $25,000 debt burden is manageable at roughly two-thirds of first-year earnings, slightly above state norms but reasonable given the premium these graduates command.
What's particularly encouraging is the 11% earnings growth from year one to year four, suggesting graduates find professional momentum rather than stalling out. Among New York history programs, this lands in the 60th percentile—solidly middle-tier statewide but notably above what you'd find at most colleges nationally. The gap between Nazareth and elite programs like Columbia ($53,000+) is substantial, but the comparison isn't quite apples-to-apples given those schools' highly selective admissions.
The modest debt combined with above-average earnings creates a workable financial picture. Just remember this data reflects under 30 graduates, so individual experiences will vary more than at programs with hundreds of majors. For a student genuinely passionate about history, these numbers suggest they won't sacrifice financial stability to pursue it here.
Where Nazareth University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Nazareth University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nazareth University | $37,677 | $41,782 | +11% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,880 | $37,677 | $41,782 | $25,000 | 0.66 | |
| $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 Nazareth University, approximately 26% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.