History at University of Illinois Springfield

UIS history graduates start at $33,297—essentially matching the Illinois median but falling well short of what larger state schools deliver. Illinois State's history majors earn $40,465 their first year out, and even Northeastern Illinois clears $39,000. The debt load of $23,892 seems reasonable in isolation, but when your graduate is earning barely more than that annually, it creates a tighter financial window than you might find at comparable public universities.

The 17% earnings growth over four years brings graduates to $39,070, which narrows but doesn't close the gap with peers from other Illinois schools. At least the trajectory is positive. Still, this program hovers right at the state and national median—perfectly average outcomes that don't capitalize on any particular advantage. With Northwestern and University of Chicago history grads earning $50,000+ (though at those schools' price points), and solid state options like Illinois State showing stronger early earnings, the question becomes whether UIS's smaller program offers benefits beyond what these numbers capture.

The crucial caveat: fewer than 30 graduates means this data could swing significantly year to year. If your child is drawn to UIS for specific faculty, research opportunities, or the Springfield location's access to state government and historical institutions, those factors matter more than these unstable figures suggest. But purely on earnings and debt? It's a middle-of-the-road option in a state with stronger alternatives.