History at South Dakota State University

South Dakota State's history program manages to achieve something rare: below-average debt with above-average earnings. With just $26,977 in typical debt—ranking in the 6th percentile nationally—graduates owe roughly $4,000 less than the national median for history majors. Meanwhile, their four-year earnings of $46,676 land them in the 61st percentile nationally and 60th percentile within South Dakota, outperforming the University of South Dakota by over $18,000 at that same milestone.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. Starting at $33,135, graduates see a 41% bump to nearly $47,000 by year four, suggesting the degree opens doors beyond entry-level positions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means graduates typically owe less than one year's starting salary—manageable territory for a humanities degree. For context, many history programs saddle graduates with debt equal to 1-2 years of earnings.

The major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could differ significantly. Still, the fundamental tradeoff here favors students willing to start modestly in exchange for reasonable debt and solid mid-career prospects. If your child is drawn to history and concerned about avoiding crushing loans, this program delivers on that specific promise better than most alternatives.