Compare 9 History. programs in Minnesota. Average earnings: $33,837.
History programs produce graduates earning between $15,288 and $47,707—a $32K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 9 ranked programs in Minnesota, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Gustavus Adolphus College's History program leads with graduates earning $47,707, well above the $33,837 average. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities follows at $43,487, while St. Olaf College delivers $43,114—proving that smaller liberal arts colleges can compete directly with flagship institutions in specific fields.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates borrow $19,500 and face a 12.8% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. At Gustavus Adolphus, students earn more but borrow $26,774 for a 14.6% burden—still manageable but requiring more careful financial planning.
Highest program earnings: $47,707
Strong outcomes ($47,707) with 62% acceptance
12.8% payment burden | Manageable
25.4% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | $47,707 | 10 | $26,774 | Manageable | $34,265 | High |
| #2 | $43,487 | 96 | $19,500 | Manageable | $25,729 | High | |
| #3 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $43,114 | 24 | $26,000 | Manageable | $40,568 | High |
| #4 | $42,443 | 28 | $21,106 | Manageable | $13,695 | High | |
| #5 | $31,839 | 13 | $18,995 | High | $11,398 | High | |
| #6 | $29,685 | 28 | $22,024 | High | $22,127 | High | |
| #7 | Winona State UniversityPublic | $26,353 | 7 | $21,500 | High | $19,316 | High |
| #8 | $24,615 | 7 | $26,847 | High | $29,471 | High | |
| #9 | Augsburg UniversityPrivate | $15,288 | 10 | $25,347 | High | $17,901 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
