Historyat University of San Francisco
Graduates earn $19,222/yr in their first year — about 40.0% below the national History average. Base-case 10-year earnings $736K; scenarios range from $651K to $762K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of San Francisco
Pursuing History at USF in San Francisco places you in a unique economic environment. While the program excels at developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills vital for many professions, the local job market is fiercely competitive and dominated by tech and high-growth sectors. Many graduates initially find roles in non-profits, education, or general administrative and analyst positions where the critical thinking is valued, but the starting salaries may feel modest against San Francisco's exceptionally high cost of living. The career paths listed often require further education or significant experience, meaning your initial steps might be several years away from those higher earning potentials. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships that apply your analytical skills in a business or tech context, or explore minors that provide more direct vocational pathways.
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 San Francisco'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 San Francisco stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of San Francisco
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of San Francisco, 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 San Francisco
What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at University of San Francisco?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring History programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a History degree from University of San Francisco?
At $20,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study History at University of San Francisco?
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 San Francisco a good choice for History despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of San Francisco's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.