History at SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo State's history program punches above its weight for a regional state school. With first-year earnings of $35,822, graduates out-earn the typical New York history major by nearly $6,000 annually—landing in the 60th percentile statewide and 75th percentile nationally. The debt load of $25,394 stays manageable relative to that income, creating a 0.71 ratio that's better than most liberal arts programs. For families concerned about value, this combination of below-average debt with above-average earnings offers genuine breathing room.

The program serves Buffalo State's mission effectively: more than half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school provides working-class access to competitive outcomes in a traditionally elite field. Steady earnings growth to $38,005 by year four indicates graduates find their footing, though they'll never approach the Columbia-level salaries ($53,828) common at elite institutions. That gap matters less when you consider the corresponding gap in debt and opportunity cost.

The catch? This data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary significantly from these medians. But the fundamental value proposition holds: Buffalo State delivers better-than-typical history outcomes at a price point that makes sense for most families. For New York residents especially, this represents one of the stronger public options for humanities study.