History at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,288/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 10.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #112 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 $547K $542K $501K
Earnings Multiple 10.8x 10.7x 9.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,636
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,333
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,605
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,288/yr, roughly in line with the $32,281 national median for History. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 10.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,333 against $33,288/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #112 ranking among 389 History programs places Northern Illinois University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $33,288-to-$53,605 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University accepts 70% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 11,277 students in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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 Illinois University

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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Northern Illinois University?
At 45/100, 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 Northern Illinois 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →