Median Earnings (1yr)
$31,798
53rd percentile (60th in LA)
Median Debt
$24,073
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.76
Manageable
Sample Size
21
Limited data

Analysis

Southeastern Louisiana's history program produces graduates earning roughly $32,000 in their first year—slightly above the national median for history majors and exactly matching Louisiana's state median. Among the state's 21 history programs, it ranks in the 60th percentile, though that positioning comes with a significant caveat: the sample size here is quite small (under 30 graduates), making these figures less reliable than data from larger programs.

The debt load of $24,073 is essentially on par with what history majors typically carry nationally, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76. That's manageable territory—graduates would need about three-quarters of their first year's salary to cover their debt. The modest 4% earnings growth over four years suggests relatively stable but limited income progression, which is fairly typical for humanities graduates in their early careers.

For parents evaluating this program, the key consideration is the small sample size, which means individual outcomes could vary considerably from these medians. The financial picture itself isn't alarming—graduates leave with typical debt and earn middle-of-the-pack salaries for history majors—but the limited data makes it harder to predict whether your student would land closer to the successful outcomes or struggle more. If your child is committed to history, this program won't likely put them at a disadvantage compared to other Louisiana schools, but the small cohort size means you're working with less certainty than you'd have at LSU or UL Lafayette.

Where Southeastern Louisiana University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Southeastern Louisiana UniversityOther history programs

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 Southeastern Louisiana University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Southeastern Louisiana University graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 53th 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 Louisiana

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southeastern Louisiana University$31,798$33,024$24,0730.76
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College$32,999$43,507$18,6250.56
University of Louisiana at Lafayette$21,750$37,425$14,5000.67
National Median$31,220—$24,0000.77

Other History Programs in Louisiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge
$11,954$32,999$18,625
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette
$10,418$21,750$14,500

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 Southeastern Louisiana University, approximately 33% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.