Analysis
UW-Tacoma's history graduates start at $26,261—below both the national and Washington state medians—but here's what matters: their earnings nearly double by year four, jumping 82% to $47,845. That four-year figure significantly outpaces the national median and places these graduates among the stronger earners statewide. While in-state competitors like Eastern Washington and Central Washington show higher starting salaries, UW-Tacoma history grads appear to catch up and potentially surpass them within a few years.
The $15,000 in median debt is genuinely low—better than 95% of history programs nationwide and well below Washington's typical $23,608. Combined with that dramatic earnings trajectory, the financial risk here is minimal. The first year out may require patience, but the debt burden won't compound that challenge.
This program serves a heavily Pell-eligible student body (40%) and delivers on mobility: students graduate with manageable debt and see substantial income growth. If your child can weather a modest first year financially—perhaps through living at home or part-time work—the four-year earnings suggest this degree opens doors to solid career progression. The low debt makes it a reasonable bet for families who can't afford more prestigious alternatives with steeper price tags.
Where University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Washington-Tacoma Campus 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 Washington-Tacoma Campus | $26,261 | $47,845 | +82% |
| Washington State University | $31,220 | $49,366 | +58% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $26,261 | $47,845 | +82% |
| Western Washington University | $25,355 | $42,394 | +67% |
| Eastern Washington University | $36,126 | $35,353 | -2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,817 | $26,261 | $47,845 | $15,000 | 0.57 | |
| $8,353 | $36,126 | $35,353 | $23,608 | 0.65 | |
| $9,192 | $35,747 | — | $25,250 | 0.71 | |
| $12,997 | $31,220 | $49,366 | $24,000 | 0.77 | |
| $59,900 | $29,909 | — | $20,500 | 0.69 | |
| $12,643 | $26,261 | $47,845 | $15,000 | 0.57 | |
| 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 Washington-Tacoma Campus, approximately 40% 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 68 graduates with reported earnings and 75 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.