History at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,028/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.7x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #97 of 389 History programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

A History degree from a prestigious institution like UVA equips you with far more than just historical knowledge; you're developing highly transferable critical thinking, research, and communication skills. This foundation is why many graduates successfully navigate diverse professional landscapes, from law and public service to business management and education, often leveraging the university’s robust alumni network and strong regional employer connections. The versatility of these skills explains why you see paths into various management roles, where the ability to analyze complex situations and articulate compelling arguments is paramount. Given the high AI risk for certain analytical tasks, proactively seeking internships that demand strategic thinking and human-centric problem-solving will be crucial for your career trajectory.

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 $666K $649K $583K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.9x 7.7x 7.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.9x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$83,944
Out-of-state: $232,056 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,524
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,250
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,242
101% growth from Year 1

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

A 17% acceptance rate puts University of Virginia-Main Campus in competitive admissions territory, serving 17,315 students in Charlottesville, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Virginia-Main Campus →

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 Virginia-Main Campus

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

How does University of Virginia-Main Campus's History program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for History. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is History to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' History careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of Virginia-Main Campus rank so high for History?
The #97 ranking out of 389 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →