History at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,333
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,605
61% growth from Year 1
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
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 →