Historyat Grinnell College
Graduates earn $39,687/yr in their first year — about 23.0% above the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $613K; scenarios range from $556K to $626K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Grinnell College
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Grinnell College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering History
How Grinnell College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Grinnell College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Grinnell College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in History offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare History trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about History at Grinnell College
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.