Median Earnings (1yr)
$26,261
18th percentile (40th in WA)
Median Debt
$15,000
38% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.57
Manageable
Sample Size
68
Adequate data

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

University of Washington-Tacoma CampusOther history programs

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 Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates earn $26k, placing them in the 18th 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 Washington

History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (17 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus$26,261$47,845$15,0000.57
Eastern Washington University$36,126$35,353$23,6080.65
Central Washington University$35,747—$25,2500.71
Washington State University$31,220$49,366$24,0000.77
University of Puget Sound$29,909—$20,5000.69
University of Washington-Seattle Campus$26,261$47,845$15,0000.57
National Median$31,220—$24,0000.77

Other History Programs in Washington

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Eastern Washington University
Cheney
$8,353$36,126$23,608
Central Washington University
Ellensburg
$9,192$35,747$25,250
Washington State University
Pullman
$12,997$31,220$24,000
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma
$59,900$29,909$20,500
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle
$12,643$26,261$15,000

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.