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History at Salem State University

Salem, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,307/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #174 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 $573K $566K $519K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 11.8x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.5x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,912
Out-of-state: $75,844 (7.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,764
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,450
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,844
87% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,307/yr, History graduates from Salem State University land near the $32,281 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,450 against $29,307/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #174 ranking among 389 History programs places Salem State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $29,307-to-$54,844 earnings arc over five years reflects a 87% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Salem State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Salem State University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,286 students in Salem, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Salem State 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

Compare this program → View all 389 schools offering History →

History at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($61,127) Duke University ($60,750) University of Houston-Clear Lake ($57,239) Amherst College ($56,444) Yale University ($54,700) Columbia University in the City of New York ($53,828) Harvard University ($53,468) Northwestern University ($50,161)

Other Majors at Salem State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($80,641) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($57,706) Chemistry ($49,439) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($46,897) Biology, General ($45,670) Social Work ($45,450) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($44,812) Health and Medical Administrative Services ($40,506)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare History trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Salem State University?
At 42/100, 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 Salem State 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 →