History at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

A history degree from UMich comes with a significant catch: graduates start at just $31,215, which lands below the median for Michigan history programs and dead average nationally. By year four, however, earnings surge 71% to over $53,000—suggesting that either the degree opens doors that take time to walk through, or graduates are pursuing graduate education before entering their careers. That first year still matters: you're earning less than peers at Wayne State or Saginaw Valley State while carrying $19,500 in debt.

The debt picture is actually more favorable than it appears at first glance. While UMich sits in the 79th percentile nationally for debt, that's still $7,500 less than the national median and well below Michigan's typical $27,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 is manageable, especially once those year-four earnings materialize. But ranking 40th percentile among Michigan programs means you're paying for a prestigious name while your peers at less selective schools are out-earning you initially.

The real question is whether that 18% acceptance rate and strong alumni network justify the early earnings gap. If your student plans on graduate school, law school, or fields where a Michigan credential matters long-term, the trajectory makes sense. If they need strong earnings immediately after graduation, other Michigan options deliver better returns right out of the gate.