History at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder's history program punches above its weight nationally, landing in the 80th percentile for earnings—substantially better than the typical history degree. Graduates start at $37,044, beating the national median by nearly $6,000, and the relatively low debt of $17,905 keeps the program accessible. That 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first year's salary, a manageable burden that many liberal arts programs struggle to match.

The in-state picture is more nuanced. While Boulder beats Colorado's median, it trails several state schools like Metro State Denver (which produces $42,785 earners) and UC Denver. You're paying for the flagship experience here, but if your child is purely ROI-focused and considering a history degree, those alternatives deserve attention. The modest 7% earnings growth to year four suggests these graduates find their footing quickly rather than climbing aggressively over time.

For families worried about liberal arts debt traps, this program offers genuine relief. The combination of below-average borrowing and above-average earnings creates breathing room that most history majors don't get. If your child is committed to studying history and prefers Boulder's campus culture, the financial fundamentals won't sabotage their early career—just don't expect dramatic income acceleration in those first few years.