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History at Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,177/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #316 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	$498K	$497K	$467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.9x	10.9x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.6x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	35	34	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,744

Out-of-state: $108,000 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$43,664

5% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,125

9.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$44,446

64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Kentucky University's History graduates start at $27,177/yr, trailing the $32,281 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 10.9x 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 $21,125 against $27,177/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #316 ranking among 389 History programs places Western Kentucky University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $27,177-to-$44,446 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Kentucky University

A 97% acceptance rate means Western Kentucky University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 12,267 in Bowling Green, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Kentucky University →

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 Western Kentucky University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Western Kentucky University?

At 34/100, 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 Western Kentucky University?

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 Western Kentucky University a good choice for History despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Western Kentucky University'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 →