History at Stephen F Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin's history program starts slow but shows impressive momentum, with graduates more than doubling their typical liberal arts trajectory. That first-year salary of $31,652 jumps to $47,274 by year four—a 49% increase that significantly outpaces most humanities degrees. The $25,000 debt load is slightly above the state median but manageable given the earnings trajectory.

The catch is geography and timing. While this program performs at the national median, it sits in the 40th percentile among Texas history programs, where the state median graduate earns $34,269 initially. Graduates start roughly $2,600 below their in-state peers, though the strong growth curve helps close that gap. Top Texas programs like UT Arlington and Texas A&M post significantly higher starting salaries, but those also serve different student populations—SFA's 88% admission rate and substantial Pell Grant population (37%) suggest it's serving students who might not access those alternatives.

For families prioritizing four-year earnings potential over first-year salary, this program delivers solid returns. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 is reasonable, and graduates who stick it out see meaningful income growth. Just understand you're not buying the premium Texas history degree—you're buying one that builds value over time at an accessible price point.