History at Ohio University-Eastern Campus

Ohio University-Eastern's history program starts graduates at just $24,075—among the lowest in the nation for history degrees. That first-year figure ranks in the bottom 5th percentile nationally, though it's closer to the Ohio median of $26,910. The debt load of $26,000 isn't excessive by national standards, but it still takes nearly 13 months of gross earnings to cover, putting immediate pressure on new graduates.

The trajectory improves dramatically: by year four, earnings jump 73% to $41,689, surpassing not just the state median but also competing programs at Akron, Cincinnati, and Miami. This growth pattern suggests graduates may be taking entry-level positions that provide strong advancement opportunities, or they're successfully pivoting into careers where their liberal arts degree serves as a foundation rather than a direct credential.

For parents, this means accepting significant short-term financial strain in exchange for long-term earning potential that exceeds most Ohio history programs. If your child needs immediate post-graduation income to manage debt payments or living expenses, that first year will be challenging. But if they can weather the initial period—perhaps with family support or careful budgeting—the program's track record shows meaningful earnings growth that justifies the investment better than the first-year numbers suggest.