History at University of South Dakota
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of South Dakota's history program sits in the bottom third nationally for graduate earnings, but there's an important silver lining: its graduates carry exceptionally light debt loads. At $27,000, debt here ranks in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of history programs leave students with more debt. While first-year earnings of $28,431 trail both the national and South Dakota medians, the near-1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates aren't facing the burden typical of humanities degrees. By year four, earnings climb to $37,211, a respectable 31% increase that suggests career progression.
The main concern is that this program lags behind South Dakota State's history graduates by nearly $5,000 in starting salary, despite similar debt levels. Among the state's eight history programs, USD ranks around the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in a small field. Given USD's 99% admission rate, students here aren't being filtered by selectivity, which may partly explain the earnings gap.
For families weighing this option: the low debt is genuinely valuable and distinguishes this program from pricier alternatives. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift significantly year to year. If your student is set on history and wants to stay in South Dakota, the minimal debt burden makes this workable—just don't expect robust starting salaries.
Where University of South Dakota 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 South Dakota graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of South Dakota graduates earn $28k, placing them in the 30th 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 South Dakota
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Dakota | $28,431 | $37,211 | $27,000 | 0.95 |
| South Dakota State University | $33,135 | $46,676 | $26,977 | 0.81 |
| National Median | $31,220 | — | $24,000 | 0.77 |
Other History Programs in South Dakota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Dakota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University Brookings | $9,299 | $33,135 | $26,977 |
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 South Dakota, approximately 18% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.