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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $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 | |
| $12,613 | $29,535 | — | $25,000 | 0.85 | |
| 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 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.