History at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,895/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #169 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 $558K $552K $509K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.0x 8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,312
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,357
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,895/yr, roughly in line with the $32,281 national median for History. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% 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 $31,895 far exceeding the $13,312 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #169 ranking among 389 History programs places University of California-Davis in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $31,895-to-$54,357 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

A 42% admission rate makes University of California-Davis accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 31,777 students enrolled in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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 University of California-Davis

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at University of California-Davis?
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 University of California-Davis?
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 →