History at Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,149/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #259 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 $485K $485K $458K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.1x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.6x 7.2x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,612
Out-of-state: $63,516 (7.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,372
-5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,527
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,149/yr, History graduates from Eastern Illinois University land near the $32,281 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,000 debt-to-$32,149 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #259 out of 389 programs, Eastern Illinois University's financial outcomes for History trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,149 to $44,527 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,398 in Charleston, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Illinois 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 Eastern Illinois 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 Eastern Illinois University's History program score?
This program scores 37/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →