2026 Best History Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Leading the list is Princeton University, our #1 History school in the United States. Set in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Princeton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Typical History student debt is $10,888. See the full Princeton University profile

#2

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

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. University Of Notre Dame graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their History program here. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report

#3

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

Out of the 1480 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Pennsylvania landed the #3 spot. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median History program debt is $11,000. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile

#4

Duke University

Durham, NC

The strong History programs at Duke University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Typical History student debt is $13,000. Get the full Duke University report

#5

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Out of the 1480 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Yale University landed the #5 spot. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their History program here. Read more about Yale University

#6

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Brown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. The median History program debt is $13,491. More on Brown University

#7

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Harvard University graduates 98% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical History student debt is $12,721. See the full Harvard University profile

#8

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University did well this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. 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. Read more about Georgetown University

#9

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $15,917 in student loans. Read the full report on Northwestern University

#10

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Vanderbilt University History students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University

#11

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Chicago

#12

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's ranking. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median History program debt is $19,352. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#13

New York University

New York, NY

New York University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. See the full New York University profile

#14

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #14 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Typical History student debt is $19,000. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

#15

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College placed #15 among History schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. About 91% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Read more about Boston College

#16

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Emory University is a private not-for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. The median History program debt is $21,000. Read the full report on Emory University

#17

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read more about George Washington University

#18

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin History students take on a median of $19,553 in debt. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#19

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $19,494 to complete their History program here. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#20

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #20 position. 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. The median History program debt is $22,000. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report

#21

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. The median History program debt is $23,250. Read more about Southern Methodist University

#22

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University did well this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $16,884 in student loans. More on Cornell University

#23

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their History program here. Read more about Boston University

#24

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,068 to complete their History program here. More on University Of California Berkeley

#25

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison did well this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,909 to complete their History program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#26

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station did well this year, earning the #26 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical History student debt is $20,410. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile

#27

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median History program debt is $23,715. More on University Of Maryland College Park

#28

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates 91% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median History program debt is $14,838. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#29

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their History program here. See the full University Of Utah profile

#30

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,593 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Davis report

#31

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln History students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#32

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities did well this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their History program here. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#33

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,638 to complete their History program here. Read the full report on University Of Southern California

#34

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University did well this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $28,513 to complete their History program here. Get the full Arizona State University report

#35

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh did well this year, earning the #35 position. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University At Raleigh graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh History students take on a median of $19,800 in debt. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#36

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus did well this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $25,000. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#37

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles placed #37 among History schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $14,277. More on University Of California Los Angeles

#38

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University did well this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Michigan State University History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Michigan State University

#39

Rutgers University New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick did well this year, earning the #39 position. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical History student debt is $21,728. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick

#40

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus graduates 86% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,400 to complete their History program here. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

#41

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #41 among History schools in the United States. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median History program debt is $15,000. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#42

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Syracuse University graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their History program here. Read the full report on Syracuse University

#43

College Of William And Mary

Williamsburg, VA

College Of William And Mary did well this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. College Of William And Mary graduates 89% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. College Of William And Mary History students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. Get the full College Of William And Mary report

#44

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates 74% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,756 to complete their History program here. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report

#45

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #45 in this year's ranking. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. University Of Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median History program debt is $19,022. Get the full University Of Florida report

#46

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University did well this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Texas Tech University graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University History students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#47

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. About 90% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. The median History program debt is $24,250. More on Northeastern University

#48

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Auburn University landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University History students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. More on Auburn University

#49

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best History schools. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara History students take on a median of $14,500 in debt. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara

#50

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Washington State University graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. The median History program debt is $24,000. See the full Washington State University profile