History at University of Arkansas

A history degree from the University of Arkansas starts rough but improves dramatically. That $27,873 first-year salary sits below the national median for history majors, but within four years, graduates reach $44,050—a 58% jump that significantly outpaces typical wage growth. This trajectory suggests graduates are securing professional positions that value the research, writing, and analytical skills history majors develop, even if entry-level opportunities are limited.

Within Arkansas, this program actually performs solidly, ranking in the 60th percentile among state history programs despite being below national benchmarks. The $26,000 in typical debt equals roughly 10 months of first-year earnings—manageable compared to many liberal arts programs, though those early lean years require careful budgeting. The state comparison matters here because most Arkansas students will likely stay in-state after graduation, where cost of living is lower and this program's outcomes look more competitive.

The real question is whether your child can weather those first few years. If they're committed to pursuing graduate school, law school, or career paths where history serves as intellectual preparation rather than direct job training, the strong earnings growth and reasonable debt load make this viable. But if they need immediate financial independence after graduation, that sub-$28,000 starting point will be challenging even in Arkansas.