Analysis
Is a bachelor's in history worth the investment when comparable Colorado programs suggest first-year earnings around $37,000 against estimated debt of nearly $26,000? That's the calculation facing families considering Regis University's history program, where specific graduate outcomes aren't publicly available due to small cohort sizes. The estimated 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds—not exceptional, but manageable if career trajectory follows typical patterns.
The estimated earnings align with Colorado's median for history programs and actually exceed the national benchmark of $31,220, which provides some reassurance. However, top-performing Colorado programs show there's considerable variation: Metropolitan State University of Denver's history graduates earn over $42,000 in their first year, while Regis's peer-based estimate sits closer to mid-range outcomes. The debt figure, drawn from similar private institutions nationally, runs slightly higher than Colorado's state median of $23,750 for history programs.
The real question is whether Regis's smaller program environment and Denver location create advantages that offset the uncertainty around these estimated figures. Without actual graduate outcomes to verify earning potential, families are essentially betting that this program will match its Colorado peers. If you're considering this path, factor in whether your student has clear career plans beyond the bachelor's degree—many history graduates pursue additional credentials or pivot into fields where the liberal arts foundation matters more than the major itself.
Where Regis University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,980 | $36,909* | — | $25,946* | — | |
| $10,780 | $42,785* | $37,394 | $34,125* | 0.80 | |
| $10,017 | $38,627* | $37,511 | $23,750* | 0.61 | |
| $9,712 | $38,276* | $38,626 | $21,250* | 0.56 | |
| $16,430 | $37,044* | $39,591 | $17,905* | 0.48 | |
| $59,340 | $36,774* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $31,220* | — | $24,000* | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Regis University, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in CO. Actual outcomes may vary.