History at University of Central Arkansas

University of Central Arkansas history graduates start at $29,337—modest by national standards but actually solid for Arkansas, where this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide. More significantly, these graduates carry just $27,000 in debt, placing this program in the 5th percentile nationally for borrowing. That's a debt load roughly equivalent to the first year's salary, which is manageable territory for a humanities degree. The 18% earnings growth to nearly $35,000 by year four suggests graduates are finding their footing in the job market.

The real story here is affordability. While UCA history majors earn slightly less than their peers at the flagship University of Arkansas ($27,873), they're accumulating comparable or lower debt at an institution with a 90% acceptance rate. For Arkansas families, particularly the 37% of students receiving Pell grants, that accessibility matters. You're getting a respectable history education without the financial burden that often makes liberal arts degrees risky.

The caveat: we're working with a small sample size here, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. But the fundamentals—reasonable debt, middle-of-the-pack state earnings, and positive momentum over four years—suggest this program won't leave your child financially hamstrung. Just ensure they understand that $35,000 four years out is the reality, not a stepping stone salary, and plan accordingly for what comes after graduation.