Historyat University of Pennsylvania
Graduates earn $48,555/yr in their first year — about 50.0% above the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $733K; scenarios range from $648K to $758K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Pennsylvania
A History degree from Penn uniquely positions you due to the university's formidable reputation and extensive alumni network. Employers highly value the rigorous analytical, research, and communication skills you hone in an Ivy League humanities program, translating into opportunities far beyond traditional historical roles. Many graduates leverage this critical thinking in diverse managerial and analytical positions across consulting, finance, law, or strategic planning, rather than solely academic paths. The robust East Coast job market, especially Philadelphia’s proximity to major corporate hubs, further facilitates access to competitive entry-level positions and career progression. While history itself isn't directly threatened by AI, the generalist roles demanding complex information synthesis and critical analysis are rapidly evolving. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships and develop complementary quantitative or technical skills alongside your strong humanities foundation.
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 Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Pennsylvania
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for History at University of Pennsylvania?
A score of 54/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the History field.
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 $647,953 in decade earnings vs $758,439 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Pennsylvania's History program stand out?
Ranked #19 of 389 programs nationally, University of Pennsylvania lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Is University of Pennsylvania a hidden gem for History?
After financial aid, the average student pays $124,916 over four years — 53% below the $264,416 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.