Master's-22% vs national median97 grads tracked
History at Western Carolina University
Ranked 132nd of 136 master's programs in History by 5-year earnings.
Median · 1 year out
$42,235
middle 50%: $30,704 – $54,252
Median · 5 years out
$45,751
middle 50%: $34,840 – $59,253
Median · 10 years out
$50,539
middle 50%: $37,592 – $67,174
Salary trajectory
Median earnings vs the national median for History (master's) graduates.
This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates
Graduates of Western Carolina University's master's program in History earn a median $42,235 one year after graduating, rising to $50,539 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 22% below the national median of $58,413 for this field, ranking 132nd of 136 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
8.8 yrs
≈ $9,636 total interest
Same major at other universities
University of Toledo
$48,487 · 5 yrs out
James Madison University
$48,487 · 5 yrs out
University of Wyoming
$48,487 · 5 yrs out
Bowling Green State University
$47,939 · 5 yrs out
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
$47,392 · 5 yrs out
University of Oregon
$47,392 · 5 yrs out
Miami University
$45,210 · 5 yrs out
Youngstown State University
$44,398 · 5 yrs out
Kent State University
$41,244 · 5 yrs out
Binghamton University
$40,342 · 5 yrs out
Other majors at Western Carolina University
Education (Doctorate)
$96,791 · 5 yrs out
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (Master's)
$95,724 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$88,779 · 5 yrs out
Engineering, General (Bachelor's)
$88,474 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Bachelor's)
$86,622 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Bachelor's)
$86,297 · 5 yrs out
Computer Science (Bachelor's)
$86,297 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Master's)
$86,216 · 5 yrs out
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's)
$85,927 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$85,430 · 5 yrs out
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctorate)
$84,494 · 5 yrs out
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's)
$81,907 · 5 yrs out