History at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,044/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.6x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #145 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 $504K $503K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.7x 7.6x 7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,720
Out-of-state: $167,772 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,920
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,250
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,790
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,044 per year, History graduates from University of Colorado Boulder earn slightly above the $32,281 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 7.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $15,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #145 ranking among 389 History programs places University of Colorado Boulder in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 32% earnings increase from $37,044 to $48,790 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Colorado Boulder

With 83% of applicants admitted, University of Colorado Boulder prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 31,578 in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 Colorado Boulder

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at University of Colorado Boulder?
At 43/100, 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 Colorado Boulder?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →