History at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
53
Optimistic
52
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,706/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #34 of 389 History programs Top 10%

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 $790K $761K $670K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 53 52 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,110
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$88,845
99% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $44,706 per year, History graduates from Cornell University significantly outpace the $32,281 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $17,110 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #34 ranking out of 389 History programs nationally puts Cornell University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

Earnings growth from $44,706 to $88,845 over five years (99% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Cornell University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Cornell University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 15,935 in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell 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 Cornell University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cornell University's History program score?
This program scores 52/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for History graduates.
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.
How affordable is History at Cornell University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $264,056, but the average net cost is $129,348 — 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 →