History at University of Massachusetts-Boston

UMass Boston's history graduates start strong at nearly $47,000—outpacing 95% of history programs nationwide and 80% in Massachusetts. That's impressive for a program at an accessible public university serving a predominantly working-class student body. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly with more data, and the 8% earnings decline by year four suggests some graduates may be working in roles where bachelor's degrees don't command wage growth.

The debt picture looks reasonable at just under $25,000, creating a manageable 0.53 ratio to first-year earnings. Compare that to the typical history graduate nationally who earns just $31,000—UMass Boston grads are pulling in 50% more while carrying similar debt. Even among Massachusetts programs, where the state median sits at $34,000, this program delivers substantially higher returns. Still, that earnings dip is worth noting: graduates might be settling into nonprofit, education, or public sector roles where initial salaries plateau quickly.

For a history degree from an affordable, accessible institution, this looks solid—especially if your student plans to stay in Boston's robust job market. Just keep in mind that the small cohort size makes these numbers less reliable than programs with larger samples, and history graduates generally need graduate school or strategic career pivots to reach higher earning potential long-term.