Program Analysis
Graduates of Illinois State University's History program earn $40,465/yr in their first year — 25% above the $32,281 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 7.7x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in History's typical career paths, with 44% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 6 months of the $40,465 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #102 of 389 History programs, Illinois State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $48,171 are relatively flat compared to the $40,465 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.