History at University of North Texas

UNT's history program outperforms most expectations for liberal arts degrees, with graduates earning $36,568 initially—already above both the national and Texas medians—then jumping 36% to nearly $50,000 by year four. That kind of earnings trajectory matters more than the starting salary alone, especially when the debt load of $22,680 remains manageable at just 0.62 times first-year income. This program sits in the 78th percentile nationally, meaning it beats four out of five comparable history programs across the country.

Within Texas, the picture is solid if less spectacular. UNT ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, trailing powerhouses like UT Arlington and Texas A&M by several thousand dollars annually. Still, for a university with a 72% admission rate serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students, these outcomes demonstrate real value. The debt-to-earnings ratio is better than most humanities programs manage, and that strong growth curve suggests graduates are finding traction in the job market rather than stalling out.

For families worried about the practicality of a history degree, UNT offers a legitimate case study in how liberal arts can work financially—not because it promises six-figure salaries, but because it combines reasonable debt with above-average earnings and meaningful career progression. If your student is determined to study history, this program delivers better-than-typical results without breaking the bank.