Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $21,750/yr fall 33% below the $32,281 national median for History. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 12.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $15,000 against $21,750/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #331 ranking among 389 History programs places University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $21,750-to-$44,299 earnings arc over five years reflects a 104% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.