What is the starting salary for History graduates in Columbus?

The estimated starting salary for History graduates in Columbus, OH is $45,320 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. The national average starting salary for this major is $44,000. Salaries in Columbus are 3% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a History degree worth it in Columbus?

A History degree in Columbus has an estimated ROI payback period of 10 years, with a projected lifetime return of $113,348 after subtracting education costs. With 31 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,936/year, Columbus offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5% and the major's national unemployment rate of 4.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study History in Columbus?

The average annual public university tuition in Columbus is $11,936, while private universities average $25,555/year. Including room and board ($11,227/year), total 4-year costs range from $92,652 at a public school to $147,128 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Columbus is $15,971/year.

What jobs can History graduates get in Columbus?

History graduates in Columbus can pursue careers as Historian, Archivist, Museum Curator, Teacher. Key skills valued by local employers include Research, Writing, Critical Thinking, Archival Analysis. The Columbus job market features Publishing, Non-profits, Education among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Schools, Museums, Government.

How long to pay off student loans for History in Columbus?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, History graduates in Columbus would pay $1,052/month on an estimated $92,652 in loans, with $33,593 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,813/month but save $17,475 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $45,320, monthly payments would represent 28% of gross monthly income.

History Degree in Columbus, OH — Salary & ROI 2026

History degree analysis for Columbus, OH. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$45K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$64K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

10 yrs

in Columbus

Cost of Living

103

index (100 = avg)

History in Columbus, OH Overview

Columbus is one of Ohio's top college towns, with 31 institutions and a student population of 31,081. Public tuition averages $11,936/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Although national enrollment in History has been declining, graduates with skills in Research and Writing remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Columbus is approximately $45,320.

History Salary in Columbus (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Columbus's cost of living index of 103 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$45,320(+$1,320 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$63,860(+$1,860 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$80,340(+$2,340 vs national)

Note: National average History salary: $44,000 starting, $62,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Columbus adjustment factor: 1.03x based on the local cost of living index.

History ROI Calculator for Columbus

Estimate your return on investment for a History degree using local Columbus tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,936 | Private avg: $25,555

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Columbus avg aid: $15,971/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$92,652

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$9,270

vs HS diploma in Columbus

ROI Payback Period

10 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Columbus

$113,348

Lifetime earnings premium ($206,000) minus total education cost ($92,652)

Student Loan Payoff for History in Columbus

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$92,652

Monthly Payment$1,052

Total Interest$33,593

% of Monthly Income28%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$92,652

Monthly Payment$1,813

Total Interest$16,119

Interest Savings$17,475

Colleges in Columbus for History

Ohio State University

public

$11,936/yr

$47,744 total

Capital University

private

$39,426/yr

$157,704 total

Franklin University

private

$11,683/yr

$46,732 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Columbus State Community College

$5,016/yr

Top Employers for History in Columbus

Columbus offers opportunities in Publishing, Non-profits, Education for History graduates. National top employers in this field include:

SchoolsMuseumsGovernmentArchivesNon-Profits

Key Columbus Hiring Sectors for Humanities

Publishing

Non-profits

Education

Media companies

Government

Common History Job Titles

HistorianArchivistMuseum CuratorTeacher

History in Nearby Ohio Cities

Cleveland, OH

$42K starting · COL 96

20 colleges

Cincinnati, OH

$45K starting · COL 102

28 colleges

Toledo, OH

$48K starting · COL 108

16 colleges

Akron, OH

$46K starting · COL 105

5 colleges

Dayton, OH

$46K starting · COL 104

9 colleges

Parma, OH

$40K starting · COL 90

4 colleges

Canton, OH

$37K starting · COL 84

4 colleges

Lorain, OH

$37K starting · COL 85.2

3 colleges

Other Humanities Majors in Columbus

Chinese Studies

$57K starting · 4 yr ROI

Linguistics

$52K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Philosophy

$45K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Foreign Languages & Literatures

$52K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

English

$43K starting · 7 yr ROI

Classical Studies

$46K starting · 6 yr ROI

Classics

$52K starting · 8 yr ROI

Africana Studies

$43K starting · 5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate History degree outcomes in Columbus, OH: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for History programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Ohio.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Columbus using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for History graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — History career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for History grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Columbus Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Ohio students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Ohio)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Ohio programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "ohio higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

History Degree in Columbus — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare History ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Columbus.

History Overview Colleges in Columbus All Majors