History at University of Maryland Global Campus

UMGC's history program shows an unusual pattern that parents should understand: graduates start at $31,852—below Maryland's median for history majors—but within four years jump to $52,388, a remarkable 65% increase that outpaces typical career growth. That year-four figure eventually surpasses even prestigious programs like Loyola Maryland, though it lags behind Maryland-College Park and Towson throughout.

The 40th percentile ranking among Maryland programs reflects that weak initial placement. At $23,750 in debt with a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one, graduates face about nine months of earnings to cover their loans—manageable, but tighter than you'd want given those early wages. The real question is what drives that dramatic earnings jump: Is it career changers completing degrees mid-career? Night students already employed who get promotions? UMGC's focus on working adults and military-affiliated students suggests many graduates may already have job experience that accelerates their trajectory.

For a traditional 22-year-old seeking their first career, this program's initial earnings are modest. But for working adults looking to complete a degree that unlocks advancement in their current field, the steep earnings curve makes more sense. The moderate sample size means individual circumstances vary widely—understanding whether your child fits the student profile that succeeds here matters more than the raw numbers.