History at University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,047/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 16.9x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #249 of 389 History programs

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 $495K $494K $465K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.9x 16.9x 15.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.4x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,268
Out-of-state: $91,940 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,888
-166% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,786
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,071
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,047 place University of North Carolina Wilmington below the $32,281 national median for History — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 16.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,786 against $25,047/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #249 ranking among 389 History programs places University of North Carolina Wilmington in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,047-to-$43,071 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina Wilmington

University of North Carolina Wilmington accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 14,176 students in Wilmington, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Wilmington →

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 North Carolina Wilmington

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 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
At 38/100, 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 North Carolina Wilmington?
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 North Carolina Wilmington a good choice for History despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Wilmington's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →