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Best Value History Colleges in Alabama

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

Troy University delivers strong value for History majors, combining a net price of just $13,869 with the state's highest earnings at $36,848 annually. This represents nearly a 3:1 earnings-to-cost ratio that outperforms most Alabama programs. The gap between public and private options spans dramatically, with costs ranging from University of North Alabama's $11,024 to Samford University's $30,795. Alabama's growing aerospace industry creates unique opportunities for History graduates, particularly in technical writing and project management roles at companies like Airbus and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Graduation rates vary significantly across the state's 15 programs, from 25.7% at Miles College to nearly 80% at Auburn University and Samford University. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight institutions offering net prices below $18,000, while private colleges tend to cluster in the $20,000-plus range with mixed graduation outcomes.
23
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$30,680
Avg. Program Earnings
52.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,869 $36,848 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
2 $14,850 $31,547 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
3 $15,142 $30,119 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
4 $23,897 $35,060 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
5 $17,727 $25,774 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
6 $17,053 $24,421 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
7 $22,150 $30,988 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
8 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
9 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%
10 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
11 $12,272 $11,392 41.0% 64.5%
12 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
13 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
14 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
15 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
16 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
17 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
18 $21,401 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
19 $21,165 $23,920 37.7% 82.4%
20 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
21 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
22 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
23 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Troy University the top value choice for History majors in Alabama?

Troy University combines affordability with strong earning potential, charging just $13,869 in net costs while graduates earn $36,848 annually. This creates the best earnings-to-cost ratio among Alabama History programs. The university maintains a 46.8% graduation rate with nearly 95% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants.

How do public versus private History programs compare in Alabama?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with net costs ranging from $11,024 to $23,897 compared to private institutions at $12,272 to $32,977. Public programs also show more consistent graduation rates between 46-79%, while private colleges vary dramatically from 25% to 80%. Eight of the top ten most affordable options are public institutions.

Where do History graduates earn the most after completing Alabama programs?

Troy University graduates lead with $36,848 in annual earnings, followed by Auburn University at $35,060. The University of Alabama and Jacksonville State University graduates earn around $31,000 annually. University of Montevallo shows the lowest reported earnings at $24,421, creating a $12,000+ gap across the state's programs.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Alabama History programs?

Higher-priced programs generally show better graduation rates, though exceptions exist. Samford University and Auburn University both exceed 79% graduation rates but differ dramatically in cost at $30,795 versus $23,897 respectively. However, affordable University of North Alabama achieves 54% graduation rates at just $11,024 net cost, proving value doesn't require premium pricing.

What career opportunities exist for History graduates in Alabama's job market?

Alabama's aerospace and automotive sectors offer technical writing and project coordination roles for History majors at companies like Hyundai, Airbus, and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The state's manufacturing growth creates demand for training specialists and documentation experts. Government positions and education remain traditional pathways, with the Alabama Student Grant Program helping reduce educational debt burdens.

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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.