Historyat University of Maryland-College Park
Graduates earn $42,020/yr in their first year — about 30.0% above the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $534K; scenarios range from $495K to $539K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Maryland-College Park
The strong financial outlook for UMD History graduates reflects more than just academic rigor; it's a testament to the university's strategic location and reputation. Being a flagship institution just outside Washington D.C. provides unparalleled access to a robust labor market rich with opportunities for those with sharp analytical and research skills. Your degree opens doors to federal agencies, think tanks, museums, non-profits, and policy-oriented consulting firms, where critical thinking and contextual understanding are highly valued, often leading to managerial or specialized research roles. These aren't always traditional "historian" jobs, but positions leveraging your historical insight to inform current decisions. The strong alumni network in the D.C. metro area also plays a significant role in recruiting pipelines. To maximize your potential, proactively seek internships within these D.C. institutions from day one, building connections and gaining practical experience that translates directly into higher-paying career paths.
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 University of Maryland-College Park'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 University of Maryland-College Park stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Maryland-College Park
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Maryland-College Park, 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 University of Maryland-College Park
What does a 55/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at University of Maryland-College Park?
At 55/100, University of Maryland-College Park's History program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study History at University of Maryland-College Park?
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 University of Maryland-College Park one of the best schools for History?
Among 389 History programs, University of Maryland-College Park's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.