History at Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University's history program shows something worth paying attention to: graduates start modestly at $33,288 but see their earnings jump 43% to nearly $48,000 within four years. That's a faster trajectory than many liberal arts programs deliver, suggesting graduates are finding their footing in careers that value their analytical and research skills. The debt load of $22,500 is reasonable—actually slightly below the national average for history majors—and becomes increasingly manageable as earnings grow.

The program sits right at the state median for Illinois, meaning you're getting typical outcomes for a history degree in this state. Yes, Northwestern and University of Chicago graduates earn significantly more, but those schools come with different price tags and admission profiles. For a university serving a substantial population of first-generation college students (46% receive Pell grants), Northern Illinois delivers solid results without overloading students with debt.

The real question is whether your child has a plan for that first year after graduation when earnings are modest. If they're prepared to gain experience—whether in education, museums, nonprofits, or private sector roles—the trajectory here is encouraging. The data shows NIU history graduates aren't stuck at entry-level wages; they're building careers that pay off within a few years.