2026 Best Value History Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value History master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1480 colleges 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Ashland University, our #1 best-value History school in the United States. Based in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Ashland University History students take on a median of $26,734 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,928 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Ashland University profile
American Public University System came in at #2 on this year's best-value History ranking in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,160 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Set against $23,160 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
A rank of #3 makes Arizona State University Skysong one of the best values in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical History student debt is $28,513. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,513 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
A rank of #4 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Out of the 1480 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Westfield State University landed the #5 spot. Located in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,179, while out-of-state students pay about $18,259. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their History program here. Westfield State University alumni report median earnings of $57,346 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Westfield State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Westfield State University profile
Illinois State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Worcester State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,610 to complete their History program here. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Worcester State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville History students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Salisbury University placed #9 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Salisbury University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #10 among the best-value History schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney History students take on a median of $18,250 in debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney alumni report median earnings of $50,105 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Fitchburg State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,635 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,635 median debt. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on Fitchburg State University
Northern Illinois University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Citadel Military College Of South Carolina placed #13 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Charleston, SC, Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,570, compared with $38,508 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,524 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,085 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina has an acceptance rate of 23%. More on Citadel Military College Of South Carolina
Providence College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,550. Typical History student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,054. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Providence College has an acceptance rate of 51%. More on Providence College
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $31,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Tarleton State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Tarleton State University History students take on a median of $24,600 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,040 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,600 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Tarleton State University profile
Liberty University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Liberty University History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $55,246 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,236 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,202. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,148. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Graduates carry a median of $23,796 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,296. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Sam Houston State University History students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Typical History student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Rowan University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Rowan University
Texas Womans University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,088 in student loans. Texas Womans University alumni report median earnings of $56,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,088 median debt. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Texas Womans University profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value History Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Columbus State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,898, with out-of-state students paying around $17,610. The median History program debt is $28,493. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Columbus State University
Norwich University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, VT. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,740. Typical History student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $65,575 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Norwich University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Norwich University
University Of North Texas landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $22,680 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $22,680 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Texas Tech University placed #28 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University History students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Stephen F Austin State University placed #28 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. The median History program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value History schools. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Northern Iowa History students take on a median of $21,776 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. Set against $21,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Students borrow a median of $22,625 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,004. Set against $22,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston Clear Lake profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania History students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median History program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #35 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,455 in student loans. 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. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical History student debt is $19,553. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $19,553 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Monmouth University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Long Branch, NJ. Students from in state pay about $46,552 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $67,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Monmouth University
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located 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. The median History program debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of Wyoming landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. University Of Wyoming History students take on a median of $18,209 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $18,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wyoming profile
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock placed #40 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock profile
Salem State University placed #41 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Located in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their History program here. Median earnings reach $56,662 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Salem State University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Typical History student debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
The University Of Texas At Tyler placed #43 among the best-value History schools in the United States. Based in Tyler, TX, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,512 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,512. The median History program debt is $19,300. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,053. That is a strong return on a $19,300 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full The University Of Texas At Tyler profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $23,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
Central Michigan University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Central Michigan University History students take on a median of $25,905 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $25,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Central Michigan University
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #46 among the best-value History schools in the United States. 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. Typical History student debt is $19,352. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 17%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. The median History program debt is $19,000. 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 has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Marquette University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Typical History student debt is $19,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Marquette University
University Of Pennsylvania placed #49 among the best-value History schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their History program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
East Carolina University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. The median History program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full East Carolina University report
Related History Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value History Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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