Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $38,203 at San Diego State University come in 18% above the national median of $32,281 for History programs.
With a 14.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
With first-year pay of $38,203 far exceeding the $13,881 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
San Diego State University ranks #58 among 389 History programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $38,203 to $45,688 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.