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History at Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,296/yr (31% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

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

ROI 2.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #77 of 389 History programs Top 25%

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	$739K	$715K	$634K
Earnings Multiple	2.7x	2.6x	2.3x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	48	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$272,920

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$106,288

61% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,491

3.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$81,596

93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,296 put Brown University's History program 31% above the national median of $32,281 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $42,296 far exceeding the $13,491 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Brown University ranks #77 among 389 History programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $42,296-to-$81,596 earnings arc over five years reflects a 93% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Brown University

Brown University's 5% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,273 students in Providence, RI. The average net cost of $106,288 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Brown 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 Brown 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 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Brown University?

At 48/100, 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 Brown 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 Brown University one of the best schools for History?

Among 389 History programs, Brown University's #77 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

What do students actually pay for History at Brown University?

The 61% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,920. At a net cost of $106,288, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →