History at Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,687/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #222 of 389 History programs

Program Analysis

A Grinnell History degree cultivates highly transferable analytical, research, and communication skills, which is why graduates often outperform typical earnings benchmarks for the field. While traditional historian roles are an option, the strong liberal arts foundation prepares you for a broader professional landscape. Many alumni pivot into diverse management and leadership positions across various sectors—from tech startups to non-profits—leveraging their critical thinking far beyond conventional academic paths. The college's rigorous curriculum and extensive alumni network are crucial for securing these opportunities, often in major metropolitan areas rather than the local Iowa market. The "high AI risk" you see reflects general industry shifts, not a devaluing of your unique human analysis. To maximize your career trajectory, actively seek internships that apply your historical thinking to real-world organizational challenges.

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 $626K $613K $556K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,448
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,432
76% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,562
68% growth from Year 1

About Grinnell College

Grinnell College's 13% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a smaller institution with 1,705 students in Grinnell, IA. The average net cost of $62,432 over four years represents a 76% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Grinnell College →

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 Grinnell College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Grinnell College?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring History programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study History at Grinnell College?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
What do students actually pay for History at Grinnell College?
The 76% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,448. At a net cost of $62,432, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →