Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $28,444 track close to the $32,281 national median for History programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI History programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in History's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $20,341 represents roughly 9 months of the $28,444 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #301 of 389 History programs, Ball State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $42,879 show a 51% jump from the $28,444 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.