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History at South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,135/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

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

ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (10.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #96 of 389 History programs Top 25%

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	$531K	$527K	$490K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.3x	14.2x	13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	10.4x	10.3x	9.6x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	47	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,196

Out-of-state: $51,236 (10.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,876

-96% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,062

9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,355

55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,135 track close to the $32,281 national median for History programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $26,062 against $33,135/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

South Dakota State University ranks #96 among 389 History programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $33,135-to-$51,355 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 8,798 in Brookings, SD.

See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota 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

History at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Dakota State 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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at South Dakota State University?

At 47/100, 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 South Dakota 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.

Is South Dakota State University one of the best schools for History?

Among 389 History programs, South Dakota State University's #96 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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