History at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,445/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 17.8x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #216 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 $491K $491K $462K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.8x 17.8x 16.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.9x 8.9x 8.4x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,624
Out-of-state: $55,080 (8.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,388
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,189
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,211
63% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,445 place University of Arkansas-Fort Smith below the $32,281 national median for History — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI History programs nationally.

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 $20,189 represents roughly 9 months of the $26,445 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #216 of 389 History programs, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $43,211 show a 63% jump from the $26,445 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith accepts 81% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 4,133 students in Fort Smith, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith →

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 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for History at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for History. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace History careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $461,831 in decade earnings vs $490,660 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with History from University of Arkansas-Fort Smith?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →