History at University of Chicago
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How University of Chicago graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Chicago graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all history bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (47 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | $46,616 | $65,148 | — | — |
| Northwestern University | $50,161 | $60,884 | $15,917 | 0.32 |
| Illinois State University | $40,465 | $44,568 | $23,125 | 0.57 |
| Northeastern Illinois University | $39,102 | $41,203 | $19,176 | 0.49 |
| DePaul University | $36,889 | $48,623 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| University of Illinois Springfield | $33,297 | $39,070 | $23,892 | 0.72 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University Evanston | $65,997 | $50,161 | $15,917 |
| Illinois State University Normal | $16,021 | $40,465 | $23,125 |
| Northeastern Illinois University Chicago | $12,383 | $39,102 | $19,176 |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $36,889 | $27,000 |
| University of Illinois Springfield Springfield | $12,252 | $33,297 | $23,892 |
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 Chicago, approximately 14% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.