History at Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Wheaton's history program produces first-year earnings slightly below Massachusetts' median for the major—landing in the 40th percentile statewide—while beating the national average by about $1,700. That's solid for a liberal arts college history degree, but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year.

The $26,000 debt load sits right at typical levels for both Massachusetts and the nation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79. A recent graduate could realistically pay off their loans within three to four years with focused repayment. What stands out here is the gap between Wheaton and Massachusetts' top performers: Amherst and Harvard grads earn $20,000+ more in their first year, while even public options like UMass-Boston show substantially higher returns.

For a history major who's committed to the liberal arts path, Wheaton won't burden them with crushing debt. The program keeps costs reasonable while delivering outcomes that beat half the country. However, if your student is considering staying in Massachusetts and cost is a factor, understanding why other in-state programs show stronger earnings—whether it's location, alumni networks, or career services—deserves some investigation before committing.