History at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

A history degree from NC State starts modestly at $33,251 but climbs 39% to reach $46,314 by year four—one of the stronger growth trajectories you'll find for this major. That upward momentum matters considerably more than the middling first-year number, especially when paired with manageable debt of $19,800. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 is significantly better than many liberal arts programs, meaning graduates aren't spending years underwater on loan payments.

Within North Carolina, this program sits squarely in the middle of the pack for initial earnings, trailing the elite outcomes at Duke ($60,750) but matching the state median. What distinguishes NC State is the trajectory: while many history graduates see flatter earnings curves, these students are building toward solidly middle-class incomes by their mid-20s. The $46,000 four-year mark suggests they're finding their way into roles beyond entry-level retail or service positions that trap many humanities majors.

The real question is whether your student is prepared for that first year or two of financial constraint. At $33,000, they'll need roommates and a budget, and the debt—while reasonable—isn't trivial. But if they're willing to invest in skill-building during those early years, the earnings growth suggests NC State's history graduates are learning to translate their degree into viable career paths. It's not a gold mine, but it's a functional liberal arts education that doesn't saddle students with crisis-level debt.