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History at University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,616/yr (44% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #173 of 389 History programs Top 50%

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 $588K $579K $529K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$267,756
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,868
72% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,082
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,616 put University of Chicago's History program 44% above the national median of $32,281 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #173 ranking among 389 History programs places University of Chicago in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 37% earnings increase from $46,616 to $64,082 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Chicago

University of Chicago's 5% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 7,540 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $75,868 over four years represents a 72% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Chicago →

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

Compare this program → View all 389 schools offering History →

History at Other Schools

Dartmouth College ($61,127) Duke University ($60,750) University of Houston-Clear Lake ($57,239) Amherst College ($56,444) Yale University ($54,700) Columbia University in the City of New York ($53,828) Harvard University ($53,468) Northwestern University ($50,161)

Other Majors at University of Chicago

Computer Science ($117,578) Mathematics ($100,421) Economics ($92,075) Statistics ($82,681) Public Policy Analysis ($60,057) Political Science and Government ($56,022) English Language and Literature, General ($44,397) Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology ($39,808)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare History trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at University of Chicago?
At 42/100, 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 University of Chicago?
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 University of Chicago?
The 72% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $267,756. At a net cost of $75,868, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →