2026 Best Value History Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

Leading the list is American Public University System, our #1 best-value History school in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical History student debt is $23,160. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $23,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full American Public University System profile

#2

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo History students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report

#3

Brigham Young University Idaho

Rexburg, ID

A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Idaho one of the best values in the United States. Set in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $8,750 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $8,750 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho

#4

University Of Maryland University College

Adelphi, MD

You'll get strong value at University Of Maryland University College, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $23,750. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Maryland University College

#5

National University

San Diego, CA

A rank of #5 makes National University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. National University History students take on a median of $29,687 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $29,687 median debt. Read the full report on National University

#6

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median History program debt is $26,977. Median earnings reach $55,070 ten years out. Set against $26,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full South Dakota State University report

#7

Columbia College Missouri

Columbia, MO

Columbia College Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. The median History program debt is $29,700. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,378. That is a strong return on a $29,700 median debt. See the full Columbia College Missouri profile

#8

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong placed #8 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set 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. The median History program debt is $28,513. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $28,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile

#9

Ashford University

San Diego, CA

Ashford University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Students borrow a median of $40,750 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $40,750 median debt. More on Ashford University

#10

Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies

Springfield, MO

Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. 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. Typical History student debt is $31,615. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,694. That is a strong return on a $31,615 median debt. Get the full Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies report

#11

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

Pembroke, NC

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Pembroke, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, while out-of-state students pay about $7,648. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,407 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

#12

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

#13

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $24,004 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $24,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Western Carolina University

#14

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report

#15

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #15 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh History students take on a median of $21,906 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Set against $21,906 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile

#16

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Salisbury University is a public school based in Salisbury, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,515. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Salisbury University

#17

Dalton State College

Dalton, GA

Dalton State College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Dalton, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $10,656. Dalton State College History students take on a median of $14,955 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,251 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,955 median debt. See the full Dalton State College profile

#17

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA

Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania

#19

Suny College At Cortland

Cortland, NY

Suny College At Cortland offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Cortland, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $8,874, compared with $18,784 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Suny College At Cortland alumni report median earnings of $60,236 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Suny College At Cortland

#20

University Of Nebraska At Kearney

Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile

#21

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Students borrow a median of $23,165 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,165 median debt. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Northeastern State University report

#22

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Northern Illinois University

#22

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University placed #22 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical History student debt is $31,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Illinois University

#24

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO

Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,125 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. Set against $21,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Truman State University

#25

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay

Green Bay, WI

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay alumni report median earnings of $52,528 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay

#26

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University placed #26 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Sam Houston State University History students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University

#27

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,776 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report

#28

University Of Minnesota Duluth

Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Duluth History students take on a median of $26,743 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. That is a strong return on a $26,743 median debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth

#29

Nevada State College

Henderson, NV

Nevada State College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Henderson, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,765, while out-of-state students pay about $21,833. Typical History student debt is $26,611. Nevada State College alumni report median earnings of $53,166 a decade after entry. Set against $26,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nevada State College admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Nevada State College

#30

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. 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. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

#31

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato placed #31 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato

#32

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

#32

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL

Eastern Illinois University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Eastern Illinois University

#34

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. The median History program debt is $25,455. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,455 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report

#35

The University Of Tennessee Martin

Martin, TN

The University Of Tennessee Martin offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,560, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. Typical History student debt is $23,770. Median earnings reach $44,213 ten years out. Set against $23,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Tennessee Martin

#36

Ashland University

Ashland, OH

Ashland University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Ashland University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ashland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,210. Graduates carry a median of $26,734 in student loans. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,734 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ashland University profile

#37

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. The median History program debt is $26,924. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

#38

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX

Tarleton State University placed #38 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,302, with out-of-state students paying around $18,142. Tarleton State University History students take on a median of $24,600 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Tarleton State University report

#39

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Typical History student debt is $25,905. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,905 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Central Michigan University

#40

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median History program debt is $18,209. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wyoming

#41

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University placed #41 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $32,237 in student loans. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Set against $32,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Grand Canyon University

#42

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $23,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile

#43

Suny Empire State College

Saratoga Springs, NY

Suny Empire State College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,648, compared with $17,558 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $30,992. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,080 ten years after entry. Set against $30,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Suny Empire State College report

#43

Kean University

Union, NJ

Kean University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Union, NJ, Kean University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, with out-of-state students paying around $22,446. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,237 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kean University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Kean University report

#45

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania

East Stroudsburg, PA

East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $27,000. 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. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania profile

#46

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. University Of Memphis History students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of Memphis report

#46

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete their History program here. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Lindenwood University report

#48

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA

Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,128 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania History students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,246. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile

#49

Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX

Stephen F Austin State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. 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. The median History program debt is $25,000. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report

#50

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $23,125. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile