History at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion's history program delivers better-than-expected outcomes for a liberal arts degree at an accessible institution. Graduates earn $36,733 in their first year—above 79% of history programs nationally and solidly ahead of Virginia's median of $32,368. While it trails elite programs like Hampden-Sydney and VMI (which serve highly selective student bodies), ODU's performance is notable given its 91% admission rate and the fact that more than a third of students qualify for Pell grants. The debt load of $24,875 is manageable relative to earnings, resulting in a 0.68 debt-to-income ratio that's better than most liberal arts degrees.

The 14% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding their footing and advancing beyond entry-level roles. Many history majors leverage their research and communication skills into careers in education, government, or business—sectors with steady wage progression. At $42,000 four years out, graduates aren't getting wealthy, but they're building viable careers without crushing debt.

For parents of students genuinely drawn to history rather than STEM fields, this represents a responsible choice. The combination of modest debt, above-average earnings for the discipline, and access to a supportive state university system makes ODU's program worth serious consideration, particularly for in-state students paying lower tuition.