Analysis
A bachelor's in History from Salve Regina likely leads to first-year earnings around $38,000, based on Rhode Island's median for this degree—a figure that puts graduates slightly ahead of the $31,000 national benchmark. With estimated debt of roughly $26,000, the 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests monthly loan payments of about $290, consuming roughly 9% of take-home pay. That's manageable, though History grads often face the challenge of debt repayment while building careers that may start in lower-paying nonprofit, education, or cultural sector roles before advancing.
The limited graduate pool here means we're working with estimates rather than Salve Regina's actual outcomes, but context matters: among Rhode Island's history programs with reported data, earnings range from $32,000 at Rhode Island College to $42,000 at Brown. Salve Regina's estimate sits comfortably in the middle, suggesting competitive positioning for a selective private university. The school's 70% admission rate and higher average SAT scores indicate it draws academically capable students who may leverage both the degree and the institution's network effectively.
For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether your student has a clear path beyond graduation—whether that's graduate school, a specific career track, or strong internship connections. The debt load is reasonable if the degree serves as a stepping stone, but History majors need intentionality about translating their skills into employment. The numbers suggest modest but viable outcomes, provided your student treats college as career preparation, not just academic exploration.
Where Salve Regina University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Rhode Island
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Rhode Island (7 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,930 | $38,121* | — | $25,946* | — | |
| $68,230 | $42,296* | $62,308 | $13,491* | 0.32 | |
| $60,848 | $41,923* | $65,233 | $27,000* | 0.64 | |
| $16,408 | $34,319* | $44,425 | $21,469* | 0.63 | |
| $10,986 | $31,981* | $44,302 | $24,141* | 0.75 | |
| 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 Salve Regina University, approximately 15% 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 4 similar programs in RI. Actual outcomes may vary.