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Best Value History Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

The path to affordable history education reveals stark contrasts across America's colleges, with net costs ranging from just $2,446 at CUNY Hunter College to $18,246 at higher-priced institutions. This 700% cost difference doesn't necessarily correlate with earning potential, as graduates from budget-friendly programs often match or exceed their expensive counterparts in career outcomes. The Northeast stands out as a center for accessible history education, with CUNY schools dominating the low-cost rankings while still producing graduates who enter fields from education to government service. California State universities also deliver strong value propositions, particularly Cal State Los Angeles where history graduates earn $37,568 annually despite net costs under $5,000. The federal government employs more historians than any other sector, creating steady demand for graduates who understand research methods and analytical thinking. These affordable programs prepare students for careers in museums, archives, law, journalism, and public service without crushing debt burdens.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $18,246
Net Price Range
$32,799
Avg. Program Earnings
54.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $26,458 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $3,830 $38,289 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
3 $2,943 $28,598 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $4,113 $37,568 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
5 $3,486 $31,133 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
6 $3,046 $25,194 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
7 $3,061 $24,615 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
8 $5,458 $39,741 $3,148 26.8%
9 $3,482 $25,194 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
10 $4,694 $29,685 $3,283 29.6%
11 $5,115 $30,771 $7,490 32.8%
12 $3,659 $21,964 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
13 $4,483 $24,035 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
14 $5,646 $29,956 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
15 $6,351 $31,773 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
16 $9,104 $43,798 $8,400 53.2%
17 $8,001 $34,420 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
18 $10,555 $43,798 $59,710 97.1% 5.7%
19 $6,500 $26,739 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
20 $18,246 $74,576 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
21 $9,144 $37,208 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
22 $6,480 $26,353 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
23 $12,640 $49,840 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
24 $10,204 $40,048 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
25 $5,825 $22,806 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
26 $10,145 $39,585 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
27 $7,168 $27,822 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
28 $5,671 $21,964 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
29 $6,276 $23,456 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
30 $8,463 $31,133 $6,270 40.7%
31 $8,918 $32,569 $3,475 17.3% 93.3%
32 $8,155 $29,685 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
33 $10,722 $38,829 $6,391 43.0%
34 $11,257 $39,729 $8,460 52.0% 71.2%
35 $8,463 $29,685 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
36 $10,948 $38,289 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
37 $9,110 $31,839 $14,288 61.9% 77.7%
38 $6,747 $23,456 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
39 $11,056 $38,289 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
40 $8,130 $27,476 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
41 $7,131 $24,035 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
42 $9,900 $33,281 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
43 $10,785 $36,015 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
44 $14,852 $49,464 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
45 $9,121 $29,685 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
46 $7,599 $24,730 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
47 $10,904 $35,060 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
48 $10,170 $32,498 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
49 $8,916 $28,236 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
50 $9,133 $28,598 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools such strong values for history students?

CUNY institutions occupy six of the top ten spots for affordable history education, with net costs between $2,446 and $5,115 annually. Hunter College leads with the lowest net cost at $2,446 while maintaining a 61% graduation rate. Queens College graduates earn $38,289 on average, nearly $10,000 more than some peer institutions, making it an outstanding return on investment.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points?

University of Florida demonstrates that higher costs can correlate with better outcomes, posting a 91.5% graduation rate compared to the 26.8% rate at lower-cost Texas Southmost College. However, several CUNY schools achieve graduation rates above 55% while keeping costs under $4,000. Berea College combines the best of both worlds with a 62% graduation rate and just $4,483 in net costs despite its private status.

Is there a significant earnings gap between public and private history programs?

Private Berea College graduates earn $24,035 annually, which falls below several public university outcomes despite higher sticker prices. Texas Southmost College produces the highest-earning graduates at $39,741, while Cal State Los Angeles follows closely at $37,568. The data shows that public institutions often deliver comparable or superior earning potential at fraction of the cost.

Does geographic location affect the value proposition for history majors?

New York's job market creates strong opportunities for CUNY graduates, with multiple campuses producing history majors who benefit from proximity to museums, archives, and cultural institutions. California schools also show strong performance, with three Cal State campuses offering excellent value through low costs and solid earning potential. Texas institutions demonstrate mixed results, from high-earning graduates to lower completion rates.

What debt levels should history students expect from these programs?

Student debt varies dramatically across these value-focused programs, ranging from $11,490 at Cal State Dominguez Hills to $18,107 at Texas A&M International. Most CUNY schools keep debt below $14,000, with Brooklyn College at just $12,500. Berea College, despite being private, doesn't report debt data as the institution covers full tuition for all admitted students through its work-study program.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.