History at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Oklahoma's history program significantly outperforms both state and national expectations, with first-year graduates earning $39,604—well above the national median of $31,220 and ranking in the 89th percentile nationwide. Among Oklahoma's 20 history programs, OU leads the pack by a comfortable margin, earning its graduates roughly $7,500 more annually than the next closest program at UCO. The $25,000 median debt sits slightly above the state average but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, meaning graduates can expect to pay back less than eight months' salary.
The earnings trajectory looks solid, with graduates seeing 21% income growth by year four to reach $47,772. This isn't the explosive early-career growth of engineering or computer science, but it represents steady progress for a liberal arts degree. The combination of OU's strong alumni network in Oklahoma and the program's demonstrated ability to position graduates for decent starting salaries makes this a relatively safe bet among history programs.
For families concerned about liberal arts degrees, OU's history program offers concrete evidence that not all humanities programs lead to barista jobs. While your child won't become wealthy on this trajectory, they'll earn meaningfully more than most history majors while carrying reasonable debt. If they're committed to studying history, this is one of the better programs to do it.
Where University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 89th percentile of all history bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $39,604 | $47,772 | $25,000 | 0.63 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | $32,127 | $39,699 | $22,125 | 0.69 |
| East Central University | $31,159 | — | $19,267 | 0.62 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $30,522 | — | $21,465 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in Oklahoma
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Oklahoma schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Oklahoma Edmond | $8,522 | $32,127 | $22,125 |
| East Central University Ada | $8,032 | $31,159 | $19,267 |
| Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater | $10,234 | $30,522 | $21,465 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.