Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $33,297 track close to the $32,281 national median for History programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.1x 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 $18,125 represents roughly 7 months of the $33,297 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #203 of 389 History programs, University of Illinois Springfield falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $33,297 to $46,558 over five years — a 40% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.