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History at Ripon College

Ripon, WI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,421/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)

ROI 2.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #388 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	$539K	$534K	$495K
Earnings Multiple	2.7x	2.6x	2.4x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$202,800

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$84,704

58% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,838

12.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,578

91% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ripon College's History graduates start at $25,421/yr, trailing the $32,281 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #388 ranking among 389 History programs places Ripon College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,421-to-$48,578 earnings arc over five years reflects a 91% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Ripon College

A 84% acceptance rate means Ripon College is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 720 students in Ripon, WI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $84,704 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Ripon 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 Ripon College

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

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Ripon College?

At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring History programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a History degree from Ripon College?

At $26,838 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study History at Ripon College?

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 Ripon College a good choice for History despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Ripon College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

What do students actually pay for History at Ripon College?

The 58% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $202,800. At a net cost of $84,704, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →