History at University of Arkansas at Little Rock

This program comes with significant caveats, starting with a sample size under 30 graduates—meaning these numbers could shift dramatically with just a few data points. That said, the $23,785 first-year median sits well below both Arkansas's state median of $27,159 and the national average of $31,220. While ranking at the 40th percentile among Arkansas history programs sounds middling, it actually means trailing schools like University of Central Arkansas by over $5,500 annually right out of the gate.

The $27,000 debt burden, though close to state norms, creates a concerning 1.14 debt-to-earnings ratio when paired with those low initial earnings. The 27% earnings growth to $30,163 by year four offers some hope, but graduates are still playing catch-up compared to peers who started stronger. Given UALR's 41% Pell grant population, many students here may be counting on immediate earning power to justify the investment.

If your child is committed to history and planning for graduate school where the bachelor's credential is just a stepping stone, this might work—especially if they're qualifying for significant need-based aid. But for students expecting their bachelor's degree to launch a career immediately, the combination of below-average starting salaries and above-average debt relative to those earnings makes this a financially risky choice. The small sample size means you should request more detailed placement data directly from the department before deciding.