History at Rhodes College

Memphis, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,279/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #368 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 $415K $422K $409K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$219,568
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$100,240
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,104
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $29,279/yr, History graduates from Rhodes College land near the $32,281 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 1.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,104 debt-to-$29,279 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #368 out of 389 programs, Rhodes College's financial outcomes for History trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Rhodes College

Rhodes College accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,931 students in Memphis, TN. The average net cost of $100,240 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Rhodes College →

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 Rhodes College

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rhodes College's History program score?
This program scores 30/100 — 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.
How affordable is History at Rhodes College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $219,568, but the average net cost is $100,240 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →