2026 Best History Schools
Looking for the best History programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1480 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 History Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
No school ranked higher than Princeton University this year in the United States. Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Princeton University graduates 98% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,688. Graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. Read the full report on Princeton University
The strong History programs at University Of Notre Dame earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
A rank of #3 makes University Of Pennsylvania one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their History program here. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
The strong History programs at Duke University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Duke University History students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Read more about Duke University
Yale University came in at #5 on this year's History ranking in the United States. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Yale University graduates 96% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Yale University
Brown University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Brown University graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,312 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,491 to complete their History program here. See the full Brown University profile
Williams College came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Based in Williamstown, MA, Williams College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,560 in tuition and fees. The median History program debt is $12,615. See the full Williams College profile
Harvard University placed #8 among History schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical History student debt is $12,721. Read more about Harvard University
Dartmouth College placed #9 among History schools in the United States. Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. Dartmouth College posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,019. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their History program here. See the full Dartmouth College profile
Amherst College placed #10 among History schools in the United States. Located in Amherst, MA, Amherst College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,480. Students borrow a median of $15,398 to complete their History program here. See the full Amherst College profile
Georgetown University came in at #11 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Georgetown University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,640 in student loans. More on Georgetown University
Northwestern University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Northwestern University History students take on a median of $15,917 in debt. Read the full report on Northwestern University
College Of The Holy Cross ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. College Of The Holy Cross graduates 87% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,500. The median History program debt is $27,000. More on College Of The Holy Cross
Wake Forest University landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Located in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,642. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Get the full Wake Forest University report
Virginia Military Institute ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. This public school is set in Lexington, VA. About 76% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $21,046, while out-of-state students pay about $52,638. Typical History student debt is $19,500. Read the full report on Virginia Military Institute
Tufts University landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Students from in state pay about $70,704 in tuition and fees. The median History program debt is $15,750. Get the full Tufts University report
American Public University System landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Roughly 47% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,160 to complete their History program here. Read more about American Public University System
University Of Chicago landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. The median History program debt is $15,854. See the full University Of Chicago profile
Vanderbilt University placed #19 among History schools in the United States. Set in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. The median History program debt is $15,000. More on Vanderbilt University
University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, 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. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Centre College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Centre College is a private not-for-profit school based in Danville, KY. Centre College posts a six-year graduation rate of 81%. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,820. Centre College History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on Centre College
Boston College landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. The median History program debt is $19,000. More on Boston College
New York University placed #23 among History schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. New York University History students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #24 in this year's ranking. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Kenyon College placed #25 among History schools in the United States. Set in Gambier, OH, Kenyon College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 82% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $71,520. Typical History student debt is $18,114. Read the full report on Kenyon College
Rest of the Top 50 Best History Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Salisbury University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Salisbury University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their History program here. Read the full report on Salisbury University
Gonzaga University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Gonzaga University History students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Get the full Gonzaga University report
Ashland University came in at #28 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. Ashland University posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Typical History student debt is $26,734. More on Ashland University
University Of Maryland University College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. About 20% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Emory University placed #30 among History schools in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,280. Typical History student debt is $21,000. See the full Emory University profile
Monmouth University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit school based in West Long Branch, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 72%. Students from in state pay about $46,552 in tuition and fees. Monmouth University History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Get the full Monmouth University report
George Washington University did well this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Typical History student debt is $23,250. Read more about George Washington University
National University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Typical History student debt is $29,687. More on National University
Ashford University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. About 10% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $40,750 in student loans. More on Ashford University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University did well this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical History student debt is $20,499. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Located in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,570, with out-of-state students paying around $38,508. Students borrow a median of $25,524 to complete their History program here. More on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
South Dakota State University did well this year, earning the #37 position. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. About 62% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. South Dakota State University History students take on a median of $26,977 in debt. More on South Dakota State University
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, 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. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Barnard College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Located in New York, NY, Barnard College is a private not-for-profit institution. Barnard College graduates 93% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,888 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,425 to complete their History program here. See the full Barnard College profile
The College Of Wooster placed #40 among History schools in the United States. Located in Wooster, OH, The College Of Wooster is a private not-for-profit institution. The College Of Wooster posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,640. Typical History student debt is $26,720. See the full The College Of Wooster profile
Suny College At Cortland did well this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Cortland, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Read more about Suny College At Cortland
Southern Methodist University did well this year, earning the #42 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. 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. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
Illinois State University placed #43 among History schools in the United States. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their History program here. Read the full report on Illinois State University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical History student debt is $19,494. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Typical History student debt is $21,776. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
Gettysburg College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Located in Gettysburg, PA, Gettysburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,640. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. See the full Gettysburg College profile
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #47 in this year's ranking. 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. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Nevada State College did well this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. About 34% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,765, while out-of-state students pay about $21,833. Typical History student debt is $26,611. See the full Nevada State College profile
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Students borrow a median of $26,743 to complete their History program here. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete their History program here. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Best History Schools by Degree Level
Compare rankings by degree level:
- Best History Certificate Degree Schools
- Best History Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best History Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best History Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best History Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best History Master’s Degree Schools
- Best History Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · 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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