Analysis
Wooster's history program sits in an unusual position: it performs above the Ohio median but below the national average, with starting salaries around $28,000 that grow to nearly $41,000 by year four. That 46% earnings growth is notable, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.
The debt picture is actually favorable—at $26,720, graduates carry less debt than the national median for history programs, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio just under 1.0. That's manageable territory, especially given the solid earnings trajectory. However, parents should note that Wooster graduates start roughly $4,000 below comparable Ohio programs like University of Akron or UC-Cincinnati, which matters during those lean first years when loan payments begin.
The broader context matters too: only 20% of Wooster students receive Pell grants, suggesting this is primarily serving families with resources. If you're paying private school prices for this degree, understand that you're investing in Wooster's liberal arts experience and network rather than premium earnings outcomes. The trajectory is encouraging, but starting at $28,000 means years of tight budgets even with relatively modest debt.
Where The College of Wooster Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The College of Wooster graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College of Wooster | $28,013 | $40,777 | +46% |
| Ohio State University-Mansfield Campus | $26,663 | $41,697 | +56% |
| Ohio State University-Marion Campus | $26,663 | $41,697 | +56% |
| Ohio State University-Lima Campus | $26,663 | $41,697 | +56% |
| Ohio State University-Newark Campus | $26,663 | $41,697 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $59,550 | $28,013 | $40,777 | $26,720 | 0.95 | |
| $12,799 | $32,577 | $35,770 | $23,100 | 0.71 | |
| $13,570 | $31,217 | — | $23,756 | 0.76 | |
| $17,809 | $31,194 | $36,425 | $26,000 | 0.83 | |
| $37,938 | $31,163 | — | $27,000 | 0.87 | |
| $14,081 | $30,226 | $36,362 | $26,000 | 0.86 | |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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 The College of Wooster, approximately 20% 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 25 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.