Historyat Iowa State University
Graduates earn $41,294/yr in their first year — about 28.0% above the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $481K; scenarios range from $455K to $480K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Iowa State University
Iowa State University History graduates command $41,294/yr out of the gate, well above the $32,281 national median. That 28% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.
With a 11.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $22,000 against $41,294/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
Iowa State University ranks #61 among 389 History programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $41,294 to $46,000 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.
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 Iowa State University'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 Iowa State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Iowa State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Iowa State University, 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 Iowa State University
What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Iowa State University?
At 49/100, 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 Iowa State University?
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.
Is Iowa State University one of the best schools for History?
Among 389 History programs, Iowa State University's #61 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.