Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,013
27th percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$26,720
11% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.95
Manageable
Sample Size
25
Limited data

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

The College of WoosterOther history programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How The College of Wooster graduates compare to all programs nationally

The College of Wooster graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 27th percentile of all history bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (63 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The College of Wooster$28,013$40,777$26,7200.95
University of Akron Main Campus$32,577$35,770$23,1000.71
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$31,217$23,7560.76
Miami University-Oxford$31,194$36,425$26,0000.83
Baldwin Wallace University$31,163$27,0000.87
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus$30,226$36,362$26,0000.86
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Other History Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Akron Main Campus
Akron
$12,799$32,577$23,100
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati
$13,570$31,217$23,756
Miami University-Oxford
Oxford
$17,809$31,194$26,000
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea
$37,938$31,163$27,000
Bowling Green State University-Main Campus
Bowling Green
$14,081$30,226$26,000

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.