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Best Value History Colleges in California

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

California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers the state's most affordable history education at just $3,659 net cost, though graduates earn $21,964 annually. This creates a stark contrast with San Jose State University, where students pay $13,741 but earn $42,682 after graduation. The Cal State system dominates affordable options, with 13 of the 15 schools offering public education. California's entertainment industry, from Hollywood studios to streaming platforms, creates unique opportunities for history majors in archival research, documentary production, and content development. Stanford University breaks the mold as the only private institution, charging $12,136 net cost while achieving a 92.8% graduation rate. The $25,742 earnings gap between the lowest and highest-earning programs reflects California's economic diversity, from Central Valley agriculture to Silicon Valley tech companies that value historical research skills for market analysis.
50
Programs
$3,659 – $50,959
Net Price Range
$28,742
Avg. Program Earnings
67.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,113 $37,568 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
2 $3,659 $21,964 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $5,646 $29,956 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
4 $6,480 $26,353 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
5 $5,825 $22,806 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
6 $5,671 $21,964 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
7 $7,599 $24,730 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
8 $8,931 $27,874 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
9 $13,741 $42,682 $7,992 64.7% 76.7%
10 $5,918 $16,940 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
11 $10,512 $29,250 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
12 $13,801 $37,856 $8,190 60.5% 94.0%
13 $12,882 $35,274 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
14 $12,136 $32,925 $62,484 92.8% 3.7%
15 $10,550 $27,947 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
16 $11,580 $30,119 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
17 $11,750 $30,047 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
18 $9,792 $24,035 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
19 $15,624 $35,416 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
20 $13,825 $30,891 $14,965 85.3% 25.9%
21 $14,979 $32,711 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
22 $12,840 $26,739 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
23 $13,167 $25,967 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
24 $14,838 $27,947 $8,064 63.6% 95.0%
25 $14,013 $25,774 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
26 $15,288 $27,604 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
27 $11,276 $20,140 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
28 $13,707 $23,087 $14,170 76.6% 68.7%
29 $19,798 $32,925 $43,600 64.4% 87.0%
30 $16,607 $25,452 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
31 $16,174 $24,035 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
32 $25,321 $35,060 $13,160 8.8%
33 $31,927 $38,289 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%
34 $12,744 $14,442 $14,167 69.1% 89.5%
35 $28,046 $25,774 $41,390 62.5% 69.0%
36 $39,495 $33,993 $58,222 71.1% 71.2%
37 $50,959 $43,798 $59,241 88.5% 52.1%
38 $27,384 $21,508 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
39 $45,723 $31,851 $58,974 79.8% 41.3%
40 $47,527 $25,967 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
41 $25,009 $48,132 53.4% 75.8%
42 $32,121 $36,930 63.7% 78.2%
43 $39,329 $63,446 85.1% 39.4%
44 $20,979 $35,214 51.5% 48.5%
45 $25,926 $55,340 67.8% 93.2%
46 $45,409 $66,742 84.7% 48.7%
47 $26,433 $50,670 74.0% 87.2%
48 $19,424 $62,326 93.2% 7.0%
49 $22,867 $57,614 70.7% 81.9%
50 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Stanford University different from other California history programs?

Stanford charges $12,136 net cost but achieves a 92.8% graduation rate, far above the state average. The university accepts only 3.68% of applicants, making it the most selective program. Despite its elite status, Stanford history graduates earn $32,925, which falls below several Cal State programs like San Jose State's $42,682.

How do graduation rates compare across California history programs?

Graduation rates span from 46.9% at Cal State Dominguez Hills to Stanford's 92.8%. Cal State Long Beach and Fullerton both exceed 69%, while most other Cal State campuses hover around 55%. Only four schools achieve graduation rates above 60%, suggesting significant variation in student success across the system.

Does higher cost guarantee better earnings for history majors?

Not necessarily. San Jose State charges $13,741 but produces the highest-earning graduates at $42,682 annually. Meanwhile, Stanford costs similar at $12,136 but graduates earn $32,925. Cal State San Bernardino costs just $5,918 but graduates earn only $16,940, showing costs and outcomes don't always align.

Where do California history graduates find the best job prospects?

San Jose State graduates earn $42,682, likely benefiting from Silicon Valley's proximity where tech companies hire historians for research and content roles. Sonoma State graduates earn $37,856, while Los Angeles-area programs like Cal State LA produce graduates earning $37,568. Geographic location strongly influences earning potential for history majors.

What debt levels should history students expect in California?

Student debt ranges from $10,275 at Cal State Stanislaus to $18,497 at Fresno State. Most Cal State programs keep debt between $13,000-$16,000, making them manageable options. The debt-to-earnings ratio varies significantly, with some graduates owing nearly as much as their first-year salary.

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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.