History at Temple University

Temple's history program outperforms most Pennsylvania alternatives and shows unusually strong earnings growth. Starting at $33,586, graduates earn nearly $46,000 by year four—a 37% jump that exceeds typical humanities trajectories. Among Pennsylvania's 75 history programs, Temple sits comfortably above the state median of $29,591, ranking in the 60th percentile. Only Penn commands significantly higher earnings in-state, though at presumably higher debt loads.

The $26,000 debt load is reasonable and below Pennsylvania's typical $27,000 for history majors, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77—manageable for a humanities degree. While the first-year salary won't impress compared to STEM fields, the trajectory matters more here. That $12,000 earnings boost by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing in fields where history degrees can leverage into stronger career paths, whether in education, public service, or corporate roles that value research and communication skills.

For parents concerned about humanities degrees, Temple represents a practical middle ground: accessible admission (83% acceptance rate), affordable Philadelphia living costs compared to private alternatives, and outcomes that suggest graduates aren't stuck in low-wage work. The moderate sample size provides reliable data without cherry-picking anomalies. If your child is committed to history, this program delivers better value than most Pennsylvania options without the financial gamble of smaller schools or the debt burden of elite privates.