2026 Best Value History Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Leading the list is Northern Illinois University, our #1 best-value History school in the United States. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report

#2

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #2 on this year's best-value History ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,553 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $19,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin

#3

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#4

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Texas earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas History students take on a median of $22,680 in debt. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $22,680 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Texas report

#5

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University came in at #5 on this year's best-value History ranking in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical History student debt is $22,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Tech University

#6

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi placed #6 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Students borrow a median of $25,455 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $25,455 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi

#7

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware History students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. See the full University Of Delaware profile

#8

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

#9

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania placed #9 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. The median History program debt is $11,000. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania

#10

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Students borrow a median of $19,352 to complete their History program here. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,352 median debt. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus

#11

Texas A And M University College Station

College Station, TX

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical History student debt is $20,410. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

#12

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University placed #12 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,905 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Central Michigan University profile

#13

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Typical History student debt is $19,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,937 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Boston College has an acceptance rate of 16%. Get the full Boston College report

#13

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median History program debt is $20,909. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#15

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Houston

#16

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. University Of Utah History students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Utah

#17

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Typical History student debt is $23,100. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus

#18

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $28,513 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $28,513 median debt. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report

#18

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical History student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#20

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Yale University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Typical History student debt is $12,000. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yale University admits about 4% of applicants. More on Yale University

#21

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University placed #21 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. George Washington University History students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. More on George Washington University

#22

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #22 among the best-value History schools in the United States. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Typical History student debt is $19,000. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about New York University

#23

University Of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $13,068. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Set against $13,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about University Of California Berkeley

#24

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Cornell University History students take on a median of $16,884 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read the full report on Cornell University

#25

The University Of Texas At Arlington

Arlington, TX

The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Arlington, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Typical History student debt is $24,875. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. Set against $24,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report

#26

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median History program debt is $23,015. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $23,015 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus

#27

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,688. Graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $110,066. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full Princeton University report

#28

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. University Of Notre Dame History students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report

#28

University Of California Davis

Davis, CA

University Of California Davis placed #28 among the best-value History schools in the United States. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $14,593 in student loans. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read more about University Of California Davis

#30

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. University Of Arkansas History students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University Of Arkansas report

#31

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis placed #31 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Memphis report

#32

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #32 among the best-value History schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill History students take on a median of $14,838 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile

#33

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Typical History student debt is $24,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northeastern University

#33

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their History program here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#35

University Of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical History student debt is $14,277. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $14,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles

#35

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Harvard University History students take on a median of $12,721 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Set against $12,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. More on Harvard University

#37

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #37 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,756 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,756 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report

#38

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. The median History program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Temple University

#39

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT

Montana State University placed #39 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Bozeman, MT, Montana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, with out-of-state students paying around $33,287. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,263. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montana State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Montana State University report

#39

Oklahoma State University Main Campus

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. The median History program debt is $21,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus

#39

Duke University

Durham, NC

Duke University placed #39 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Duke University

#42

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #42 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Students borrow a median of $19,800 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#43

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. The median History program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile

#44

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Washington State University report

#45

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,354. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University

#46

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego placed #46 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $17,467. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $17,467 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California San Diego

#46

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,640 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $103,494 ten years out. Set against $16,640 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Georgetown University has an acceptance rate of 13%. Read the full report on Georgetown University

#46

University Of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $14,500 median debt. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile

#46

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Kansas State University History students take on a median of $19,539 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,539 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kansas State University

#50

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. The median History program debt is $24,750. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro