History at Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
34
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,125
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,446
64% growth from Year 1
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
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 →