History at University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC's history program lands graduates in an unusually difficult financial position right out of school. That $24,289 first-year salary sits at just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of history programs produce better initial outcomes. While Missouri's history programs generally trail the national average, UMKC still underperforms most in-state alternatives, earning only 40th percentile status compared to state peers.

The earnings trajectory offers some relief: graduates see 39% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $34,000. That's meaningful progress, though it still leaves them below where many comparable programs start. The debt load of $25,445 compounds the challenge—when you're earning $24,000, any student loan payment becomes a burden. For context, Missouri State and UM-St. Louis graduates start around $28,000, while Columbia College's history majors launch at $40,000.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing considerably with just a few individual outcomes. But even accounting for statistical noise, the pattern is concerning. If your child is set on history at UMKC, they should plan on graduate school or have a clear professional path in mind—otherwise, those early-career earnings will make loan repayment challenging. The in-state alternatives offer better starting positions without significantly more debt.