History at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,116/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #110 of 389 History programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

A UCLA History degree offers rigorous training in critical thinking, research, and compelling communication—highly valued skills, even if your initial career path isn't a direct "historian" role. The earning figures reflect that many graduates leverage these abilities in diverse fields like law, journalism, public policy, or non-profit management, often requiring further education or a few years to build specialized experience. The Los Angeles market, rich in media, education, and cultural institutions like the Getty or Huntington Library, provides ample opportunities for those who can connect their analytical prowess to industry needs. While AI may impact certain research or data-intensive roles, your ability to synthesize complex information and craft narratives remains crucial. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships that apply your historical skills in practical settings, whether in archives, marketing, or project management, and network extensively with alumni in your desired fields.

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 $675K $658K $590K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.0x 10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.7x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,039
131% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Los Angeles

Only 9% of applicants gain admission to University of California-Los Angeles, reflecting elite selectivity, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for History at University of California-Los Angeles?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for History. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace History careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $590,250 in decade earnings vs $675,417 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →