History at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,972/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #298 of 389 History programs

Program Analysis

Your earnings trajectory with a History degree from Cal Poly Humboldt often reflects the realities of a smaller, regional labor market. Arcata, while a vibrant community, doesn't boast a vast array of high-paying corporate or government roles typically sought by humanities graduates. Instead, many alumni find fulfilling work in local public service, non-profits, education, or cultural institutions within the region, often prioritizing passion over hefty paychecks. The program likely fosters strong analytical and research skills, valuable for graduate studies or roles where critical thinking is paramount, but direct entry into high-paying positions can be challenging. To maximize your financial outlook, proactively combine your history studies with practical minors or internships in fields like data analysis, museum studies, or public administration, and actively seek opportunities beyond the immediate area.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to History graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $511K $509K $476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.1x 16.1x 15.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,640
103% growth from Year 1

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

A 99% acceptance rate means California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
History teachers, postsecondary $81,500/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

History at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for History at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for History. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace History careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $475,732 in decade earnings vs $510,655 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with History from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →