History at Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University's history program punches well above its weight, with graduates earning $39,102 in their first year—25% more than the national median for history majors and significantly ahead of the state median. Among Illinois history programs, it sits in the 60th percentile, trailing only the elite privates and a few flagship campuses. That's impressive for a university serving a predominantly working-class student body (54% receive Pell grants).

The debt picture makes this program especially attractive. At $19,176, graduates carry about $5,000 less debt than typical history majors nationwide and $3,300 less than the Illinois median. The 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—manageable territory that allows meaningful loan payments without financial strain. While earnings growth is modest at 5% over four years, the starting point is strong enough that fourth-year earnings ($41,203) remain competitive.

For families concerned about the value of a humanities degree, this program offers an answer: moderate debt, solid earning potential from day one, and outcomes that rival much more expensive options. The results suggest NEIU's location in Chicago and its connections to the city's employers translate into genuine career opportunities for history graduates.