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