History at The University of Texas at Austin

A UT Austin history degree starts modestly at $34,495 but shows impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 44% to nearly $50,000 by year four—outpacing the typical trajectory for humanities degrees. While it trails specialized Texas programs like UT Arlington's history program (which reaches $44,806 early on), UT Austin graduates appear to convert their flagship university credentials into stronger mid-career opportunities. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas history programs and 68th nationally, solid but not exceptional positioning for a highly selective institution.

The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $19,553, graduates carry less debt than both state and national medians for history majors, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.57. However, that relatively lower debt reflects the advantage of in-state tuition at a public flagship—out-of-state students would face a very different calculation. The first-year earnings of $34,495 mean recent graduates will likely need to live frugally and possibly supplement with parental support or roommates in Austin's expensive rental market.

For families weighing this program: the value hinges on what comes after. If your child plans to pursue graduate school, law school, or careers where a UT Austin degree opens doors (consulting, nonprofits, government), this trajectory makes sense. If they need immediate financial independence post-graduation, the modest starting salary creates real constraints despite the encouraging growth pattern.