2026 Best Value History Schools
Looking for the best-value History programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1480 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value History Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
American Public University System earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Typical History student debt is $23,160. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $23,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about American Public University System
Out of the 1480 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ashland University landed the #2 spot. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Ashland University History students take on a median of $26,734 in debt. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,734 median debt. Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Ashland University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #3 on this year's best-value History ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical History student debt is $28,513. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $28,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Westfield State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Westfield State University
Illinois State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Worcester State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Typical History student debt is $24,610. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,610 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Worcester State University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #8 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Salisbury University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Salisbury University History students take on a median of $24,125 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,515. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Salisbury University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney History students take on a median of $18,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,250 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
Fitchburg State University placed #11 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University History students take on a median of $21,635 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Northern Illinois University placed #12 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charleston, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $12,570, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $25,524. Median earnings reach $72,085 ten years out. Set against $25,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 23% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Citadel Military College Of South Carolina profile
Providence College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,550. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,054. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Providence College has an acceptance rate of 51%. Get the full Providence College report
Western Illinois University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. The median History program debt is $31,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. That is a strong return on a $31,250 median debt. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Liberty University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Typical History student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Liberty University report
Tarleton State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stephenville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $24,600. Median earnings reach $53,040 ten years out. Set against $24,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Tarleton State University profile
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania placed #18 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their History program here. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $55,246 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Sam Houston State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Typical History student debt is $28,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in East Stroudsburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,236, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,148 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Texas A And M University Commerce placed #21 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Students borrow a median of $23,796 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,296. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about Texas A And M University Commerce
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Rowan University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Rowan University History students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,988 ten years after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rowan University
Texas Womans University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. The median History program debt is $25,088. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. That is a strong return on a $25,088 median debt. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Texas Womans University report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,258 a decade after entry. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value History Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Columbus State University placed #26 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,493 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,544. Set against $28,493 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Columbus State University
Norwich University placed #27 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,740. The median History program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,575 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Norwich University admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Norwich University
Stephen F Austin State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Stephen F Austin State University History students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on Stephen F Austin State University
Texas Tech University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical History student debt is $22,250. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. The median History program debt is $21,776. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Set against $21,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
University Of Houston Clear Lake placed #29 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. University Of Houston Clear Lake History students take on a median of $22,625 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,004 ten years out. Set against $22,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Clear Lake has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full University Of Houston Clear Lake profile
University Of North Texas came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical History student debt is $22,680. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $22,680 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $19,553 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,553 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #35 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln History students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,455 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Set against $25,455 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Monmouth University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,552. Typical History student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,991 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Monmouth University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Monmouth University
University Of Delaware landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware History students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Typical History student debt is $18,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $18,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Little Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $9,911, with out-of-state students paying around $22,721. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,265. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Salem State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Salem State University History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,662. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Salem State University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. The median History program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
The University Of Texas At Tyler ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This public school is set in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,512, with out-of-state students paying around $24,512. Graduates carry a median of $19,300 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,053. That is a strong return on a $19,300 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas At Tyler
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire History students take on a median of $23,112 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Set against $23,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical History student debt is $19,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Central Michigan University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $25,905 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,905 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Michigan University
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $19,352. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Marquette University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Typical History student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Marquette University profile
East Carolina University placed #50 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $27,000. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about East Carolina University
Best Value History Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value History Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value History Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value History Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1480 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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