History at University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

UMass Dartmouth history graduates face a rocky first year—earning $30,581 initially, they trail both the state median ($34,059) and rank in just the 40th percentile among Massachusetts history programs. But the story shifts dramatically by year four, when median earnings jump 62% to $49,376. That's a substantial climb that outpaces the typical trajectory for history majors and suggests graduates find their footing in careers that may not immediately value the degree.

The $25,000 debt load is reasonable and actually slightly below the state median, resulting in a manageable 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that difficult first year. Within Massachusetts, this program sits solidly in the middle tier—well behind elite options like Amherst ($56,444) and Harvard, but the strong earnings growth eventually narrows that gap more than you might expect from an institution with a 92% acceptance rate.

The catch is that first-year struggle. Graduates need financial runway—either savings, family support, or minimal living expenses—to weather that initial period before earnings accelerate. If your child can manage those early years without major loan repayment pressure, the long-term trajectory looks promising for a humanities degree from a regional public university. Just ensure they understand they're signing up for a delayed payoff rather than immediate career momentum.