History at University of Louisville

The University of Louisville's History program faces a significant challenge right out of the gate: graduates earn just $22,047 in their first year—30% below Kentucky's median for history majors and nearly $10,000 below the national benchmark. Among the state's 23 history programs, this ranks in only the 25th percentile, trailing not just flagship UK but also regional schools like Northern Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky by roughly $7,500. The debt load of $23,312, while slightly below state and national averages, still exceeds that first year's earnings.

The redeeming feature here is momentum. Earnings jump 70% by year four to reach $37,458, eventually surpassing state and national medians. This suggests graduates may be finding their footing after a difficult initial job market period, possibly through graduate school, teaching credentials, or career pivots that take time to materialize. Still, that first year represents a tough financial reality—living on $22,000 while carrying student debt requires either family support or extreme budgeting.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether your student can weather those lean first years. The eventual earnings are respectable for a humanities degree, but the initial struggle is real and measurable. If immediate financial independence matters, the higher-earning Kentucky options provide more stability from day one.