Median Earnings (1yr)
$32,577
57th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$23,100
4% below national median

Analysis

The University of Akron's history program outperforms most Ohio alternatives, placing in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful distinction given that Ohio's median for history grads sits at just $26,910. Starting at $32,577, Akron grads earn roughly $5,600 more than the typical Ohio history graduate and slightly exceed the national median. The debt burden of $23,100 is also below both state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 that's manageable compared to what many history programs produce.

The earnings trajectory shows steady if modest growth: 10% gains over four years bring graduates to $35,770, which actually exceeds the national 75th percentile for history programs. For a regional public university with a 71% admission rate, these outcomes suggest strong employment connections or effective career support that translates to real job market results.

The major caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates means one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly. That said, the consistency across multiple metrics (earnings, debt, growth) suggests the data isn't wildly off base. For families already considering Akron and wanting a history degree, this program appears to deliver better-than-average value for Ohio, with debt levels that won't crush a graduate's financial flexibility in their twenties.

Where University of Akron Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Akron Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Akron Main Campus$32,577$35,770+10%
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Akron Main CampusAkron$12,799$32,577$35,770$23,1000.71
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati$13,570$31,217$23,7560.76
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$31,194$36,425$26,0000.83
Baldwin Wallace UniversityBerea$37,938$31,163$27,0000.87
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green$14,081$30,226$36,362$26,0000.86
Cleveland State UniversityCleveland$12,613$29,535$25,0000.85
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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 University of Akron Main Campus, approximately 29% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.