WhatGradsMake
Doctoral (Research)-8% vs national median93 grads tracked

History at Purdue University

Ranked 25th of 34 doctoral (research) programs in History by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$58,527
middle 50%: $40,511 – $72,462
Median · 5 years out
$71,441
middle 50%: $56,877 – $82,803
Median · 10 years out
$82,929
middle 50%: $72,156 – $100,394

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for History (doctoral (research)) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Graduates of Purdue University's doctoral (research) program in History earn a median $58,527 one year after graduating, rising to $82,929 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 8% below the national median of $77,308 for this field, ranking 25th of 34 reporting programs.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
5.5 yrs
≈ $5,997 total interest

Same major at other universities

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
$74,933 · 5 yrs out
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
$74,696 · 5 yrs out
University of Illinois Chicago
$73,728 · 5 yrs out
College of William & Mary
$73,271 · 5 yrs out
University of Texas at Arlington
$72,585 · 5 yrs out
Binghamton University
$72,095 · 5 yrs out
University of South Carolina - Columbia
$71,298 · 5 yrs out
University of Iowa
$68,891 · 5 yrs out
Georgia State University
$68,802 · 5 yrs out
West Virginia University
$68,626 · 5 yrs out
Kent State University
$67,042 · 5 yrs out
Texas Tech University
$67,042 · 5 yrs out

Other majors at Purdue University

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Doctorate)
$219,424 · 5 yrs out
Mathematics and Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$162,085 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$160,199 · 5 yrs out
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctorate)
$153,081 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Doctorate)
$152,803 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$151,874 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$148,110 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$141,828 · 5 yrs out
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctorate)
$135,976 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$126,565 · 5 yrs out
Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$122,270 · 5 yrs out
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (Doctorate)
$122,253 · 5 yrs out

Related fields of study

History
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