History Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Study of past events, civilizations, and their impact on the modern world.
Starting Salary
$40K
median
Mid-Career
$62K
salary
ROI Payback
7.5 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
4.8%
rate
History Overview
Study of past events, civilizations, and their impact on the modern world.
Category
Humanities
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
62%
Enrollment Trend
declining
Online Available
Yes
Underemployment
40%
Lifetime Premium
$200K
Female Graduates
48%
History Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$16,200
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$16,200
after scholarships
ROI Payback
3 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$183,800
Lifetime earnings premium ($200,000) minus net degree cost ($16,200)
History Salary Progression
Common History Careers
Historian
Archivist
Museum Curator
Teacher
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for History
#1
Harvard
#2
Yale
#3
Princeton
#4
Stanford
#5
University of Chicago
Related Majors
History Degree FAQ
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