History at Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI · Public · Certificate

A 95% acceptance rate means Grand Valley State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 19,073 students in Allendale, MI.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,206/yr, roughly in line with the $24,206 national median for History. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 17.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for History graduates.

The $24,250 debt load exceeds a year of the $24,206 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

With only 1 programs offering History nationally, this is a niche field. Grand Valley State University ranks #1 among them.

History connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
45
High End
Earnings $24,206/yr (0% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (56% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (188,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$253K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
17.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$14,628
Out-of-state: $20,820
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,250
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for History graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Natural sciences managers $161,180 +3.7% 50%
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
History teachers, postsecondary $81,500 -0.2% 49%
Natural sciences managers
$161,180
+3.7% growth 50% AI-proof
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
History teachers, postsecondary
$81,500
-0.2% growth 49% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

History Career Guide

What can you do with a History credential from Grand Valley State University? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full History career guide →

Compare & Explore

History Overview

Other Majors at Grand Valley State University

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for History at Grand Valley State University?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring History programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the AI risk for History graduates from Grand Valley State University?
AI won't eliminate History careers, but it may reshape them. At Grand Valley State University, a score of 43/100 already accounts for the 44% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Do Grand Valley State University History graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
What makes Grand Valley State University's History program stand out?
Among 1 History programs, Grand Valley State University's #1 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn History through an apprenticeship instead of Grand Valley State University?
If Grand Valley State University's tuition gives you pause, consider that 2 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for History. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for History from Grand Valley State University?
At 188,200 annual openings, History has a very large employment base. Grand Valley State University graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →