History at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,862/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #329 of 389 History programs

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 $459K $462K $440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.1x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,688
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,847
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,733
38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,862/yr, History graduates from Northern Arizona University land near the $32,281 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,847 debt-to-$28,862 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #329 out of 389 programs, Northern Arizona University's financial outcomes for History trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,862 to $39,733 shows 38% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 23,041 students in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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 Northern Arizona University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Arizona University's History program score?
This program scores 33/100 — on the lower end for History. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is History to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' History careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →