History at Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,087/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk
High (44% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI
6.7x earnings multiple (5.4x 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 | $402K | $411K | $400K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 6.6x | 6.7x | 6.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.3x | 5.4x | 5.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 50% | 45% | 34% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 33 | 32 | 32 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,192
Out-of-state: $76,392 (5.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,000
12.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$33,985
25% growth from Year 1
About Western Michigan University
A 85% acceptance rate means Western Michigan University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan 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 Michigan 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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Western Michigan University?
At 32/100, 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 Western Michigan University?
At $29,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 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 Western Michigan 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 Michigan University a good choice for History despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Michigan 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 →