2026 Best Value History Schools
Looking for the best-value History programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1480 institutions 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, Course Advisor 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 Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
American Public University System tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value History programs schools in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. The median History program debt is $23,160. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
You'll get strong value at Ashland University, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Typical History student debt is $26,734. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,928. That is a strong return on a $26,734 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ashland University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 1480 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #4 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho History students take on a median of $8,750 in debt. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maryland University College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
Arizona State University Skysong placed #6 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong History students take on a median of $28,513 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
National University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. National University History students take on a median of $29,687 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,687 median debt. More on National University
South Dakota State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical History student debt is $26,977. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. Set against $26,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Columbia College Missouri ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,276. The median History program debt is $29,700. Columbia College Missouri alumni report median earnings of $45,378 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Columbia College Missouri
Ashford University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Ashford University History students take on a median of $40,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $40,750 median debt. See the full Ashford University profile
Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,054. Graduates carry a median of $31,615 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,694. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #13 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Typical History student debt is $21,500. 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
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical History student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Nebraska At Kearney landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kearney, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $18,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,250 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #16 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $21,906 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile
Salisbury University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $24,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,515 ten years after entry. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Salisbury University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
Western Carolina University placed #19 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. The median History program debt is $24,004. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Dalton State College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Dalton State College is a public school based in Dalton, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,336, compared with $10,656 for out-of-state students. Dalton State College History students take on a median of $14,955 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,251. Set against $14,955 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Dalton State College
Northern Illinois University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Suny College At Cortland ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,784. The median History program debt is $26,000. Suny College At Cortland alumni report median earnings of $60,236 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Suny College At Cortland
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #23 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,165 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northeastern State University profile
Western Illinois University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Western Illinois University History students take on a median of $31,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $31,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Western Illinois University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value History Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Truman State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $21,125. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Truman State University report
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay placed #27 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $52,528 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Sam Houston State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Typical History student debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Typical History student debt is $26,743. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $26,743 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. The median History program debt is $21,776. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
Nevada State College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,765, while out-of-state students pay about $21,833. Graduates carry a median of $26,611 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,166 ten years out. Set against $26,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nevada State College admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Nevada State College profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #32 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $23,310. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Tarleton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,600 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Tarleton State University
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public school based in Martin, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,560, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Students borrow a median of $23,770 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $44,213 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,770 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full The University Of Tennessee Martin profile
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #36 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Students borrow a median of $25,455 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. 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 Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #37 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. The median History program debt is $23,112. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,112 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #38 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse History students take on a median of $26,924 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,378. That is a strong return on a $26,924 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
Westfield State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. 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. The median History program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $57,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westfield State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about Westfield State University
University Of Wyoming landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Students borrow a median of $18,209 to complete their History program here. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,209 median debt. University Of Wyoming admits about 97% of applicants. More on University Of Wyoming
Grand Canyon University placed #41 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $32,237 in student loans. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,237 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Grand Canyon University
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in East Stroudsburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,236, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,148 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Liberty University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Typical History student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile
Kean University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Kean University is a public school based in Union, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,237. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kean University
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Millersville, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $55,246 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile
Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. More on Lindenwood University
Central Michigan University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,905 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Set against $25,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Suny Empire State College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Graduates carry a median of $30,992 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,080. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Suny Empire State College
Eastern Illinois University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
Best Value History Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value History Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value History Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value History Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value History Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value History Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value History Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value History Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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