History at Wartburg College

Based on comparable history programs in Iowa, Wartburg's graduates likely start around $36,400—solidly above the national median of $31,200 and matching the state average. The estimated $25,900 in debt produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71, meaning graduates would owe roughly nine months of their first-year salary. That's manageable by liberal arts standards, though it's worth noting Iowa State and Grinnell's history programs suggest starting salaries in the $39,000-$41,000 range for top performers.

The real question is whether a history degree at this price point leads where your child wants to go. Liberal arts degrees often shine in graduate school preparation or fields where the credential matters more than the major—teaching, law, nonprofit leadership. If your child plans to pursue teaching or needs graduate work for their career goals, this debt level won't preclude those paths. However, these early-career figures don't capture the long runway that humanities degrees typically require before hitting their stride financially.

For families weighing this investment: the estimated numbers suggest a typical outcome for Iowa history programs, not an outlier in either direction. The 99% admission rate and modest SAT scores indicate Wartburg focuses on access rather than selectivity, which may influence both peer networks and graduate school prospects. If your child is committed to history and values a small-college environment, these numbers won't derail their plans—but this isn't a program where the earnings data alone makes the case.