Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,633
74th percentile
80th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$19,000
21% below national median

Analysis

Among Florida's history programs, University of Miami stands out—ranking in the 80th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $35,633, well above the state median of $27,787. This selective private university (19% admission rate) produces history graduates who out-earn peers at larger public institutions like UCF and USF. The $19,000 median debt, while high in absolute terms, translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, meaning graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary.

That said, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year. The relatively high debt percentile (81st nationally) reflects Miami's private school tuition, though it's actually below the national median for history majors. For an anxious parent, the key question is whether the Miami brand and network justify the premium over a state school—UCF graduates earn nearly as much with likely lower debt for in-state students.

The bottom line: If your child is set on history and choosing between Miami and Florida's public universities, these earnings suggest Miami delivers competitive career outcomes despite the higher sticker price. Just recognize that history majors everywhere start modestly, and that small sample makes this data sketchier than you'd like for a major financial decision.

Where University of Miami Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Miami graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of MiamiCoral Gables$59,926$35,633$19,0000.53
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$34,335$38,679$21,9650.64
University of South FloridaTampa$6,410$33,474$38,900$23,0150.69
Florida International UniversityMiami$6,565$31,835$42,391$17,2500.54
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$27,944$43,451$19,9070.71
The University of TampaTampa$33,424$27,787$20,5000.74
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Miami, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.