History at University of South Carolina-Columbia

USC's history program starts graduates well below both state and national averages at $27,652, landing in just the 24th percentile nationally and 40th percentile within South Carolina. That first-year figure trails the state median by nearly $3,000 and falls significantly behind programs at schools like The Citadel ($42,712) and Clemson ($36,199). However, the story changes dramatically by year four, when earnings jump 56% to $43,166—surpassing not only state and national benchmarks but also most competing programs in South Carolina.

The $22,550 debt load is manageable, sitting below both state and national medians. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 looks concerning initially, the rapid earnings growth suggests graduates gain valuable skills or credentials that take time to monetize. This pattern often indicates students moving into professional roles that require some post-graduation credentialing or networking.

For families evaluating USC's history program, the key question is whether your student can navigate those challenging first years financially. The four-year trajectory is genuinely impressive, but that first year at under $28,000 may require family support or living at home. If your child has strong post-graduation plans—law school, graduate programs, or specific career pathways—this could be a solid foundation. But the initial earnings gap compared to peer institutions means this isn't the safest choice for students who need immediate financial independence.