2026 Best Value History Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value History doctoral degree schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report

#2

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #2 on this year's best-value History ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $19,553. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin

#3

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

You'll get strong value at University Of Nebraska Lincoln, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#4

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

You'll get strong value at University Of North Texas, which ranked #4 this year. Based 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. University Of North Texas History students take on a median of $22,680 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $22,680 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Texas

#5

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Tech University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#6

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. The median History program debt is $25,455. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report

#7

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware placed #7 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their History program here. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Delaware profile

#8

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical History student debt is $19,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile

#9

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report

#10

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus History students take on a median of $19,352 in debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $19,352 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 17%. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile

#11

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station History students take on a median of $20,410 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,097 ten years out. Set against $20,410 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station

#12

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Typical History student debt is $25,905. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $25,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Central Michigan University

#13

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Boston College History students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Boston College alumni report median earnings of $103,937 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. More on Boston College

#13

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,909 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,909 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#15

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston report

#16

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their History program here. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Utah report

#17

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Students borrow a median of $23,100 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,100 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus

#18

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus History students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#18

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University placed #18 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University History students take on a median of $28,513 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University

#20

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University placed #20 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,533 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants. Read the full report on Yale University

#21

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Typical History student debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on George Washington University

#22

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #22 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. New York University History students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. See the full New York University profile

#23

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $13,068 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $13,068 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile

#24

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. The median History program debt is $16,884. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,884 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full Cornell University profile

#25

The University Of Texas At Arlington

Arlington, TX

The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #25 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Graduates carry a median of $24,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,199. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Arlington has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington

#26

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #26 among the best-value History schools in the United States. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,015 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,015 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus

#27

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Princeton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Princeton, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $110,066. Set against $10,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Princeton University

#28

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile

#28

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical History student debt is $14,593. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $14,593 median debt. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report

#30

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical History student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Arkansas report

#31

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Typical History student debt is $25,000. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Memphis report

#32

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Typical History student debt is $14,838. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 15%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile

#33

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. Typical History student debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full Northeastern University report

#33

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities History students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#35

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $12,721 in student loans. Harvard University alumni report median earnings of $101,817 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Harvard University profile

#35

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles History students take on a median of $14,277 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $14,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles

#37

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $23,756. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $23,756 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

#38

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median History program debt is $26,000. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. More on Temple University

#39

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. The median History program debt is $13,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,800 ten years after entry. Set against $13,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Duke University

#39

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT

Montana State University placed #39 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. The median History program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,263. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Montana State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Montana State University

#39

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public school based in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. The median History program debt is $21,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#42

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical History student debt is $19,800. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,800 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#43

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus

#44

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Washington State University History students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile

#45

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Southern Methodist University History students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Southern Methodist University alumni report median earnings of $78,354 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Southern Methodist University report

#46

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $19,539 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $19,539 median debt. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Kansas State University report

#46

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. Georgetown University History students take on a median of $16,640 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 13% of applicants are accepted. See the full Georgetown University profile

#46

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $17,467 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,467 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of California San Diego report

#46

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. The median History program debt is $14,500. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. More on University Of California Santa Barbara

#50

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,160 ten years after entry. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro