2026 Best Value History Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value History graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1480 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 evaluated schools to compile 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 Graduate Certificate Degree 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. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. The median History program debt is $23,160. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Out of the 1480 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical History student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Liberty University, which ranked #3 this year. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. The median History program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
Sam Houston State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value History ranking in the United States. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
A rank of #5 makes University Of Southern Mississippi one of the best values in the United States. Based in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $25,455. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Set against $25,455 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of North Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Florence, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Typical History student debt is $19,350. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,350 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Alabama report
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Utah profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,499 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Typical History student debt is $25,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At El Paso
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Arlington History students take on a median of $24,875 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,063 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. That is a strong return on a $24,063 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of West Georgia ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. Typical History student debt is $29,990. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. Set against $29,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of West Georgia
Suny Empire State College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Suny Empire State College History students take on a median of $30,992 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,080 ten years out. Set against $30,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Suny Empire State College profile
New York University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based 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. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about New York University
Ohio University Main Campus came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $24,750 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro report
Auburn University placed #17 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical History student debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full Auburn University profile
Florida International University placed #18 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $17,250. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $17,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
University Of Louisville ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. University Of Louisville is a public school based in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. Typical History student debt is $23,312. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,899. That is a strong return on a $23,312 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Louisville profile
Virginia Commonwealth University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,884. Virginia Commonwealth University History students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. Virginia Commonwealth University alumni report median earnings of $58,128 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Commonwealth University admits about 93% of applicants. More on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of Missouri St Louis landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Missouri St Louis is a public school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,738 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $53,037 ten years out. Set against $28,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%. See the full University Of Missouri St Louis profile
George Mason University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Typical History student debt is $24,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,343. That is a strong return on a $24,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full George Mason University profile
Cuny College Of Staten Island offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Staten Island, NY, Cuny College Of Staten Island is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,490, compared with $15,440 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $12,648. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny College Of Staten Island admits about 92% of applicants. More on Cuny College Of Staten Island
Columbia University In The City Of New York placed #23 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $102,491 ten years out. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
Syracuse University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. The median History program debt is $26,000. Syracuse University alumni report median earnings of $79,164 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Syracuse University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value History Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
East Tennessee State University placed #26 among the best-value History schools in the United States. East Tennessee State University is a public school based in Johnson City, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,859. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on East Tennessee State University
Central Connecticut State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Central Connecticut State University is a public school based in New Britain, CT. Students from in state pay about $13,050 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,550. Students borrow a median of $23,604 to complete their History program here. Central Connecticut State University alumni report median earnings of $58,562 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,604 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Connecticut State University profile
Marshall University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Huntington, WV. Students from in state pay about $9,162 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,342. The median History program debt is $20,100. Median earnings reach $46,354 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Marshall University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #29 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
Wayne State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $32,544. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years out. Set against $32,544 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wayne State University
Cuny City College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Cuny City College report
Dixie State College Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. More on Dixie State College Of Utah
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies placed #33 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Read more about Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies
Indiana University East offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Read more about Indiana University East
Louisiana State University Alexandria offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Read the full report on Louisiana State University Alexandria
Newberry College
Newberry College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Newberry College
Pacific University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Get the full Pacific University report
Pikeville College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Get the full Pikeville College report
Trinity College
Trinity College placed #39 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Get the full Trinity College report
University Of Puget Sound came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Puget Sound profile
Concordia University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Get the full Concordia University Wisconsin report
Illinois Wesleyan University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Illinois Wesleyan University
Lane College
Lane College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Get the full Lane College report
Los Medanos College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Get the full Los Medanos College report
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Missouri Baptist University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Missouri Baptist University
Rollins College
Rollins College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Get the full Rollins College report
Temple College
Temple College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Get the full Temple College report
University Of New England ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Get the full University Of New England report
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Related History Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value History Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value History Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value History Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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