History at Oregon State University

Oregon State's history program stands out sharply from Oregon's other options—its graduates earn $34,589 in year one, placing it at the top among the state's 18 history programs and nearly $8,000 above the state median of $26,819. This 80th percentile position within Oregon matters because most students attend in-state, and this program demonstrably outperforms larger competitors like University of Oregon and Portland State. Nationally, it ranks in the 69th percentile, beating nearly 900 history programs across the country.

The trajectory here is particularly promising: earnings jump 45% by year four to reach $50,046, suggesting graduates successfully translate their liberal arts training into career advancement. The debt load of $24,332 looks reasonable against first-year earnings (0.70 ratio), though parents should recognize that initial $34,589 salary requires careful budgeting—it's not poverty wages, but it's not comfortable either in most Oregon markets.

For families weighing Oregon's public university options for a history major, this program delivers measurably better outcomes than the alternatives. The combination of manageable debt and strong earnings growth creates a viable path forward, especially compared to what you'd find at other Oregon schools charging similar tuition.