History at State University of New York at New Paltz

SUNY New Paltz's history program lands graduates in the bottom 10% of earnings among New York history programs, with first-year pay of just $20,124—roughly two-thirds of what the typical NY history graduate earns. That places this program far below not just elite private schools like Columbia, but also public alternatives like CUNY Lehman College, where history grads earn more than double in their first year. The debt load of $19,303 is more manageable than most history programs, but when you're earning barely above minimum wage initially, even moderate debt becomes burdensome.

The silver lining here is substantial earnings growth—graduates nearly double their income by year four, reaching $39,284. That eventually brings them closer to the national median for history majors, suggesting the low starting salary may reflect students taking unpaid internships, gap years, or entering graduate programs before beginning careers. However, this creates a challenging financial reality during those early years when loan payments begin.

For a family considering this program, the question is whether your child has the financial cushion to weather several years of very low earnings. If they need to start earning immediately after graduation to service debt or support themselves, this program's trajectory presents real hardship. Students with family support or those planning graduate school anyway may find the eventual earnings acceptable, but this isn't a path to quick financial independence.