History at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte's history graduates start at $33,791—modest by any standard—but climb to $43,572 within four years, a 29% jump that outpaces most liberal arts trajectories. This puts the program above the 60th percentile among North Carolina history programs, trailing the elite research universities (Duke, UNC Chapel Hill) but holding its own against state peers like NC State and East Carolina. Nationally, it performs even better, landing in the 64th percentile.

The $24,457 in typical debt translates to a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable compared to many humanities programs. First-year earnings barely cover that debt figure, but the strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates find their footing relatively quickly—likely moving from entry-level positions into roles that better leverage their degree. The admission rate of 80% and one-third Pell grant population suggests this is a program accessible to a broad range of students who then see solid career progression.

For families wary of humanities degrees, this program offers a counterpoint: it won't deliver six figures, but it produces steady earners with reasonable debt loads and clear upward mobility. If your student is committed to history, UNC Charlotte delivers better outcomes than most alternatives in the state without the debt premium of private institutions.