History at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,215/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.3x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #113 of 389 History programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

A History degree from a prestigious institution like the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor means you're developing highly sought-after analytical, research, and communication skills. While direct "historian" roles may not command the highest starting salaries, the true value lies in how these transferable abilities position you for diverse professional paths. You'll find graduates excelling in fields like law, business consulting, government, education, and non-profit leadership, often leveraging the university's robust alumni network and strong career services. The "manager" roles on your list highlight how U-M history majors pivot their critical thinking into leadership positions across industries, from tech to public policy. Your success will hinge on actively translating your academic prowess into real-world problem-solving, so focus on internships and skill-building experiences that showcase your versatility.

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 $660K $644K $579K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.6x 9.3x 8.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.5x
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)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,096
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,724
111% growth from Year 1

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Admission to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is competitive, with 18% of applicants accepted, with 33,488 students enrolled in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for History at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
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 $579,353 in decade earnings vs $659,742 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →