Analysis
UConn-Avery Point's history program starts graduates at a sobering $27,581—roughly $6,000 below the national median for history majors. But here's the twist: earnings nearly double by year four, reaching $48,903. That trajectory outpaces typical history graduate earnings curves and suggests this program prepares students for career advancement rather than just entry-level positions. Among Connecticut's 20 history programs, starting salaries land right at the state median, though notably behind Yale's $54,700 and several state universities.
The $22,470 in median debt sits below both state and national averages, making the initial struggle more manageable. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81, graduates face less than one year's salary in loans—reasonable by liberal arts standards. The earnings jump changes the affordability equation substantially: by year four, that same debt represents just 46% of annual income.
For families willing to weather lean early years, this program offers a legitimate path forward. The strong earnings growth suggests graduates find their footing in careers that value the analytical and communication skills history degrees develop. Just understand that your child will likely need financial support or side income during those first couple years post-graduation.
Where University of Connecticut-Avery Point Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut-Avery Point graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $27,581 | $48,903 | +77% |
| Yale University | $54,700 | $77,988 | +43% |
| Connecticut College | $34,657 | $54,968 | +59% |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $27,581 | $48,903 | +77% |
| University of Connecticut | $27,581 | $48,903 | +77% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,462 | $27,581 | $48,903 | $22,470 | 0.81 | |
| $64,700 | $54,700 | $77,988 | $12,000 | 0.22 | |
| $12,828 | $34,858 | — | $19,500 | 0.56 | |
| $64,812 | $34,657 | $54,968 | $21,500 | 0.62 | |
| $12,460 | $30,301 | $44,475 | $23,604 | 0.78 | |
| $20,366 | $27,581 | $48,903 | $22,470 | 0.81 | |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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 Connecticut-Avery Point, approximately 34% 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 60 graduates with reported earnings and 85 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.