Analysis
Among Pennsylvania's 75 history programs, Pitt-Greensburg lands exactly at the state median for first-year earnings—but that positioning masks impressive momentum. Graduates see their salaries jump 36% within four years, reaching over $40,000, which means this program delivers stronger mid-term results than most state competitors. The $24,400 debt load is actually below Pennsylvania's median for history programs ($27,000), creating a manageable 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as those salary gains materialize.
The reality check: while graduates outpace 60% of Pennsylvania history programs, they're still earning well below elite competitors like Penn ($48,555) and traditional state schools like Slippery Rock ($34,682). That first-year salary of $29,591 requires patience and likely demands geographic flexibility or graduate education to reach higher earning potential. The 98% admission rate and moderate Pell enrollment (38%) suggest accessible education, but history majors here need clear post-graduation plans to capitalize on that strong earnings trajectory.
For families comfortable with their child building career momentum over several years rather than landing a high starting salary, this represents reasonable value—particularly with below-average debt for Pennsylvania. The key question is whether your student has the strategic thinking to leverage that four-year earning growth, because the program won't deliver immediate financial returns.
Where University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $29,591 | $40,201 | +36% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $48,555 | $76,695 | +58% |
| University of Scranton | $26,442 | $58,428 | +121% |
| Duquesne University | $29,451 | $49,746 | +69% |
| Temple University | $33,586 | $45,870 | +37% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (75 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,630 | $29,591 | $40,201 | $24,400 | 0.82 | |
| $66,104 | $48,555 | $76,695 | $11,000 | 0.23 | |
| $47,675 | $35,026 | $34,345 | — | — | |
| $10,507 | $34,682 | $40,710 | $27,000 | 0.78 | |
| $13,544 | $34,460 | $39,878 | $27,000 | 0.78 | |
| $22,082 | $33,586 | $45,870 | $26,000 | 0.77 | |
| National Median | — | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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 Pittsburgh-Greensburg, approximately 38% 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 67 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.