Analysis
Troy University's history program stands out sharply in Alabama, with graduates earning $39,591 in their first year—about 35% more than the state median of $29,400 and placing it in the 80th percentile statewide. This actually outperforms Auburn and Alabama-Birmingham, schools with stronger overall academic profiles. Nationally, it ranks in the 89th percentile, well above the typical history program's $31,220 median.
The financial picture looks even better when you consider the debt load. At $28,500, graduates carry slightly more than the national median, but with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, they're in solid position to manage repayment. Earnings growth to $44,362 by year four suggests steady career progression. Troy serves a predominantly working-class student body (42% receive Pell grants), and these outcomes demonstrate the program delivers genuine economic mobility.
The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual results could vary significantly. But the consistency of these numbers—strong earnings, manageable debt, upward trajectory—suggests this isn't a statistical fluke. For an Alabama family weighing history programs, Troy's combination of accessibility (93% admission rate), affordability, and outcomes makes it worth serious consideration, even if it lacks the brand recognition of flagship universities.
Where Troy University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Troy University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Troy University | $39,591 | $44,362 | +12% |
| The University of Alabama | $25,533 | $47,167 | +85% |
| Auburn University | $30,458 | $42,490 | +40% |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $28,121 | $40,599 | +44% |
| University of South Alabama | $29,744 | $39,918 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Troy UniversityTroy | $9,792 | $39,591 | $44,362 | $28,500 | 0.72 |
 University of MontevalloMontevallo | $13,710 | $32,263 | $38,642 | — | — |
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $30,458 | $42,490 | $22,500 | 0.74 |
 University of South AlabamaMobile | $9,676 | $29,744 | $39,918 | $26,000 | 0.87 |
 Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville | $12,426 | $29,057 | $37,766 | $31,000 | 1.07 |
 University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham | $8,832 | $28,121 | $40,599 | $28,175 | 1.00 |
| 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 Troy University, approximately 42% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 38 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.