History at University of West Georgia

University of West Georgia's history graduates enter the workforce earning $35,074, which beats 71% of history programs nationally and 60% of programs in Georgia—solid placement for a regional public university. The median debt of $29,990 is notably higher than both the state ($25,500) and national ($24,000) benchmarks, though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.86 remains manageable. Four years out, earnings climb to $39,830, keeping graduates ahead of typical history majors and approaching University of North Georgia's results without its higher barriers to entry.

The caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates reporting data, a few outliers could be skewing these numbers either direction. That said, the earnings trajectory looks encouraging, and the debt load—while elevated—isn't crushing given the income levels. For students drawn to history, this represents a reasonable path if they're realistic about humanities salaries and plan accordingly.

The practical takeaway: West Georgia delivers better-than-average outcomes for history majors, but families should factor in that $30,000 in debt for a field where starting salaries hover in the mid-$30,000s. Students who keep borrowing in check and have clear post-graduation plans (teaching, graduate school, public history work) can make this work without financial strain.