Program Analysis
At $40,054 per year, History graduates from Columbia College earn slightly above the $32,281 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The 4.8x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $24,839 debt-to-$40,054 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #205 out of 389 programs, Columbia College's financial outcomes for History trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $40,054 to $42,789 over five years (7% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.