Historyat State University of New York at New Paltz
Graduates earn $20,124/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $572K; scenarios range from $524K to $581K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at State University of New York at New Paltz
A History degree from a public liberal arts institution like SUNY New Paltz provides a strong foundation in critical thinking, research, and communication. However, graduates often find themselves in a competitive regional job market, particularly if they remain in the Hudson Valley, where demand for direct history-related roles outside of education or local cultural institutions can be limited. While the program equips you with valuable analytical skills, converting these into high-earning private sector positions often requires strategic planning.
Many graduates leverage their degree for careers in teaching, public service, or non-profit work, which are incredibly rewarding but typically don't offer top-tier compensation. The higher-earning career paths highlighted usually require significant additional experience, specialized skill development (like project management or data analysis), or further education. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships in your target industries, consider a minor in a business-related or quantitative field, and build a strong network that extends beyond traditional history professions. Your ability to apply your research and analytical acumen to diverse problems will be your greatest asset.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to State University of New York at New Paltz's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering History
How State University of New York at New Paltz stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at State University of New York at New Paltz
Other highest-scoring programs offered at State University of New York at New Paltz, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in History offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare History trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about History at State University of New York at New Paltz
What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at State University of New York at New Paltz?
At 39/100, 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?
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 State University of New York at New Paltz a good choice for History despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If State University of New York at New Paltz's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.