Program Analysis
Graduates earn $27,569/yr, roughly in line with the $32,281 national median for History. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI History programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in History's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $19,900 represents roughly 9 months of the $27,569 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #188 of 389 History programs, University of Northern Iowa scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $50,182 show a 82% jump from the $27,569 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.