History at Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,555/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #378 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 $658K $642K $578K
Earnings Multiple 3.4x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,072
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,652
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,375
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,518
159% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $22,555 per year, History graduates from Willamette University earn below the $32,281 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $17,375 debt-to-$22,555 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #378 out of 389 programs, Willamette University's financial outcomes for History trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $22,555 to $58,518 over five years (159% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Willamette University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Willamette University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,525 students in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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 Willamette University

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 Willamette University's History program score?
This program scores 26/100 — 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 are History earnings lower at Willamette University?
Lower starting pay at Willamette University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is History at Willamette University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $193,072, but the average net cost is $94,652 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →