History at Rhode Island College

Rhode Island College's History program sits in an awkward spot: it performs slightly better than the national average but trails most Rhode Island alternatives by a significant margin. Starting at $32,000 and climbing to $44,000 by year four represents solid earnings growth, but that first-year figure falls $6,000 short of the state median for history majors. Among Rhode Island's seven history programs, this one ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state options deliver stronger earnings outcomes.

The debt load of $24,141 is about average, resulting in a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio, so graduates aren't facing overwhelming financial stress. The 39% earnings jump over four years suggests career momentum. However, with an 81% admission rate and strong Pell Grant enrollment, this is an accessible program serving students who might not have other options—and for them, a history degree that reaches the mid-$40s could represent meaningful mobility.

The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so it may not represent a typical experience. For Rhode Island families specifically, the numbers suggest exploring URI (which costs similarly for in-state students but shows better outcomes) or understanding that private alternatives like Providence College command higher earnings. If Rhode Island College is the affordable choice, history majors here can succeed—just expect to work harder early on to match what peers at other state schools achieve.