Analysis
UConn's history program starts rough but tells an ultimately hopeful story. That $27,581 first-year salary—well below the national median of $31,220—jumps 77% to nearly $49,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find their footing after initial underemployment. Among Connecticut's history programs, this lands at the median for starting salary but ranks in the state's top tier for mid-career outcomes, trailing only Yale's exceptional $54,700.
The $22,470 in debt is manageable compared to both national and state medians, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 improves dramatically as salaries climb. This pattern is common for liberal arts majors who often need time to convert their degree into career momentum—graduate school, credential-building, or pivoting into fields like education, law, or business. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these trends.
For families willing to weather a lean first year or two post-graduation, this program delivers solid mid-term value at Connecticut's flagship university. The debt burden won't be crushing while your child figures out their path, and the four-year earnings suggest most graduates successfully translate their degree into stable employment. Just ensure there's a financial cushion for those early years.
Where University of Connecticut Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut 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 | $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-Avery Point | $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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,366 | $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 | |
| $17,462 | $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, approximately 24% 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.