History at Saint Anselm College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Saint Anselm's history graduates start at $32,228—roughly average nationally but right at New Hampshire's median—then see earnings jump 54% to nearly $50,000 by year four. That's impressive growth for a humanities degree, though it's worth noting the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary more than these numbers suggest. With debt under $26,000, graduates face a manageable 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe less than a year's starting salary.
The comparison to other New Hampshire schools is interesting: Dartmouth history grads earn nearly double at the start, but Saint Anselm significantly outperforms UNH's $28,663 median. For a college with a 78% acceptance rate serving primarily middle- and upper-income students (only 11% receive Pell grants), this program performs solidly without being exceptional.
The real story here is trajectory rather than starting point. If your child thrives in smaller environments and can leverage Saint Anselm's alumni network and career services effectively during those critical first four years, the debt burden is reasonable and the earnings growth suggests graduates find their footing. Just remember these numbers reflect a small group, so talking to recent alumni about their specific paths would be particularly valuable given the limited data.
Where Saint Anselm College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Anselm College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Saint Anselm College graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 56th percentile of all history bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Anselm College | $32,228 | $49,479 | $25,946 | 0.81 |
| Dartmouth College | $61,127 | $82,121 | $19,000 | 0.31 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $37,734 | $43,759 | $31,683 | 0.84 |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $28,663 | $48,243 | $25,000 | 0.87 |
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester | $28,663 | $48,243 | $25,000 | 0.87 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in New Hampshire
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Hampshire schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dartmouth College Hanover | $65,739 | $61,127 | $19,000 |
| Southern New Hampshire University Manchester | $16,450 | $37,734 | $31,683 |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham | $19,112 | $28,663 | $25,000 |
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester Manchester | $15,820 | $28,663 | $25,000 |
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 Saint Anselm College, approximately 11% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.