Historyat University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Graduates earn $31,215/yr in their first year — about 3.0% below the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $644K; scenarios range from $579K to $660K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan
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.
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 Michigan'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 Michigan stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan, 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 Michigan
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.