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History at Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,687/yr (23% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

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

ROI 2.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #222 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	$626K	$613K	$556K
Earnings Multiple	2.4x	2.4x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	39	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$259,448

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$62,432

76% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,500

5.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,562

68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,687 at Grinnell College come in 23% above the national median of $32,281 for History programs.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 11% 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 $39,687 far exceeding the $17,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #222 ranking among 389 History programs places Grinnell College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $39,687-to-$66,562 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Grinnell College

Grinnell College's 13% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, a smaller institution with 1,705 students in Grinnell, IA. The average net cost of $62,432 over four years represents a 76% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Grinnell College →

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 Grinnell College

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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Grinnell College?

At 39/100, 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 Grinnell College?

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.

What do students actually pay for History at Grinnell College?

The 76% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,448. At a net cost of $62,432, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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