History at San Diego State University

San Diego State's history program stands out for doing something rare: combining strong graduate outcomes with remarkably low debt. At $13,881 in median debt—less than one year of a typical state school's tuition—this program lands in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability. That's roughly half the debt load of the typical California history program, making the financial risk unusually manageable.

The earnings tell an equally strong story. Starting at $38,203 and climbing to nearly $40,000 by year four, SDSU history graduates out-earn 80% of their California peers and 84% of history majors nationwide. They're trailing only a couple of programs in the state, including USC and Cal State Northridge, but likely achieving those outcomes with far less debt. The modest 4% earnings growth suggests these graduates find relatively stable early-career positions rather than experiencing dramatic income swings.

For a parent worried about their child majoring in the humanities, this is about as favorable a scenario as you'll find. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates breathing room that most history programs don't offer. Your child graduates owing less than one-third of their first year's salary—a ratio that makes loan repayment genuinely manageable while they build a career in education, government, nonprofits, or whatever path they choose.