Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,261
18th percentile
40th percentile in Washington
Median Debt
$15,000
38% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Washington-Tacoma CampusTacoma$12,817$26,261$47,845$15,0000.57
Eastern Washington UniversityCheney$8,353$36,126$35,353$23,6080.65
Central Washington UniversityEllensburg$9,192$35,747$25,2500.71
Washington State UniversityPullman$12,997$31,220$49,366$24,0000.77
University of Puget SoundTacoma$59,900$29,909$20,5000.69
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle$12,643$26,261$47,845$15,0000.57
National Median$31,220$24,0000.77

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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.