History at University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,744/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #238 of 389 History programs

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 $486K $487K $459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.6x 11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.5x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,704
Out-of-state: $74,608 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,568
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
10.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,909
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,744 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 12.6x 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 $26,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $29,744 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #238 of 389 History programs, University of South Alabama falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $29,744 to $43,909 over five years — a 48% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of South Alabama

With a 65% acceptance rate, University of South Alabama is moderately selective, serving 8,540 students in Mobile, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Alabama →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for History at University of South Alabama?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for History. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace History careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $458,616 in decade earnings vs $486,033 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →