History at George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,927/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #171 of 389 History programs Top 50%

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 $688K $669K $599K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,960
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$149,816
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,794
90% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,927/yr, edging above the $32,281 national average for History — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,250 represents roughly 7 months of the $38,927 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #171 of 389 History programs, George Washington University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $73,794 show a 90% jump from the $38,927 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About George Washington University

With a 44% acceptance rate, George Washington University is moderately selective, enrolling 10,848 students in Washington, DC. After financial aid, the average student pays $149,816 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at George Washington University →

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 George Washington University

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 George Washington University?
A score of 42/100 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 $599,188 in decade earnings vs $688,280 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →