2026 Best Value History Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value History graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1480 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
American Public University System earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,160 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,160 median debt. Get the full American Public University System report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Liberty University came in at #3 on this year's best-value History ranking in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Liberty University
Out of the 1480 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Sam Houston State University landed the #4 spot. Based 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. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Southern Mississippi, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi History students take on a median of $25,455 in debt. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of North Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,350 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,415. That is a strong return on a $19,350 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full University Of North Alabama report
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Utah
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #8 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $20,499 to complete their History program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,499 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The median History program debt is $24,875. The University Of Texas At Arlington alumni report median earnings of $63,199 a decade after entry. Set against $24,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #9 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. The University Of Texas At El Paso History students take on a median of $25,125 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $25,125 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
University Of West Georgia landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,990 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. That is a strong return on a $29,990 median debt. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of West Georgia report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $24,063. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Set against $24,063 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Suny Empire State College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saratoga Springs, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Graduates carry a median of $30,992 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,992 median debt. Get the full Suny Empire State College report
New York University placed #14 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,796. New York University History students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on New York University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Auburn University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical History student debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Auburn University
Florida International University placed #18 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $17,250. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $17,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Florida International University
University Of Louisville came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,136, while out-of-state students pay about $29,482. Graduates carry a median of $23,312 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,899 ten years out. Set against $23,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about University Of Louisville
Virginia Commonwealth University placed #20 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,720, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. The median History program debt is $23,750. Median earnings reach $58,128 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Virginia Commonwealth University
University Of Missouri St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Saint Louis, MO, University Of Missouri St Louis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,620 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri St Louis History students take on a median of $28,738 in debt. University Of Missouri St Louis alumni report median earnings of $53,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 63%. More on University Of Missouri St Louis
George Mason University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. The median History program debt is $24,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,343. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about George Mason University
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. The median History program debt is $22,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
Cuny College Of Staten Island offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Staten Island, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,490, while out-of-state students pay about $15,440. Students borrow a median of $12,648 to complete their History program here. Cuny College Of Staten Island alumni report median earnings of $53,501 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,648 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny College Of Staten Island
Syracuse University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. Syracuse University History students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $79,164. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Syracuse University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value History Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
East Tennessee State University placed #26 among the best-value History schools in the United States. This public school is set in Johnson City, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their History program here. East Tennessee State University alumni report median earnings of $44,859 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full East Tennessee State University profile
Central Connecticut State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Connecticut State University is a public school based in New Britain, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $13,050, compared with $16,550 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,604 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,562 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Connecticut State University has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on Central Connecticut State University
Marshall University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Huntington, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,162, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,100 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,354. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Marshall University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. The median History program debt is $22,750. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
Wayne State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Detroit, MI, Wayne State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. The median History program debt is $32,544. Median earnings reach $53,493 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Wayne State University
Alfred University placed #31 among the best-value History schools in the United States. More on Alfred University
Clovis Community College Fresno came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Clovis Community College Fresno report
Des Moines Area Community College placed #33 among the best-value History schools in the United States. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Eastern Connecticut State University placed #34 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Read more about Eastern Connecticut State University
Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary placed #35 among the best-value History schools in the United States. More on Moravian College And Moravian Theological Seminary
Stony Brook University placed #36 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Read the full report on Stony Brook University
Xavier University Of Louisiana offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. See the full Xavier University Of Louisiana profile
Black Hills State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Black Hills State University
Boise State University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Boise State University report
Bridgewater College placed #40 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Get the full Bridgewater College report
Henry Ford Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. More on Henry Ford Community College
Mckendree University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Read the full report on Mckendree University
Mendocino College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. See the full Mendocino College profile
Presbyterian College placed #44 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Read more about Presbyterian College
Rose State College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Get the full Rose State College report
The College Of New Jersey came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Wichita State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Wichita State University
College Of Southern Idaho came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on College Of Southern Idaho
Desales University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read the full report on Desales University
Related History Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value History Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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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