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History at Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,087/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk High (44% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)

ROI 6.7x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #347 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	$402K	$411K	$400K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	6.6x	6.7x	6.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.3x	5.4x	5.2x
Probability of Field Employment	50%	45%	34%
DegreeOutlook Score	33	32	32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,192

Out-of-state: $76,392 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,804

-22% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$29,000

12.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$33,985

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Michigan University's History graduates start at $27,087/yr, trailing the $32,281 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 6.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some History career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #347 ranking among 389 History programs places Western Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Western Michigan University

A 85% acceptance rate means Western Michigan University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 12,704 students in Kalamazoo, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Michigan University →

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 Western Michigan University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for History at Western Michigan University?

At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring History programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a History degree from Western Michigan University?

At $29,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study History at Western Michigan University?

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.

Is Western Michigan University a good choice for History despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Western Michigan University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →