History at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota's history program suffers from an unusually weak start that its strong earnings growth can't fully overcome. At $26,635, first-year earnings trail the Minnesota median for history majors by over $12,000—placing graduates in the bottom 10th percentile statewide. While earnings jump impressively to $43,487 by year four, that's still below where graduates from UMN-Duluth and Minnesota State-Mankato start their careers.

The debt picture offers some consolation. At $19,500, graduates borrow about $7,000 less than the state median, which means this program won't saddle students with unmanageable payments during those lean early years. The 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests first-year budgets will be tight but survivable. By year four, when earnings hit the mid-$40s, the financial picture becomes considerably more comfortable.

For a flagship university program with selective admissions, underperforming 90% of Minnesota's history programs is striking. If your child is set on history at UMN-Twin Cities, understand they're likely accepting several years of below-market earnings in exchange for the university's brand and research opportunities. Regional campuses in the system deliver better financial outcomes from day one—something worth considering if return on investment matters more than the Minneapolis campus experience.