Program Analysis
University of California-Irvine's History graduates start at $23,480/yr, trailing the $32,281 national average by 27%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.9x 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 15% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $15,179 represents roughly 8 months of the $23,480 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #144 of 389 History programs, University of California-Irvine scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $68,186 show a 190% jump from the $23,480 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.