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Best Value History Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands out with a remarkable $4,483 net cost for History majors, making it Kentucky's most affordable option by a wide margin. This private college's unique work-study program creates an unusual pricing advantage over public universities like Northern Kentucky University at $7,168 net cost. History graduates across Kentucky earn between $22,874 and $31,236, with Western Kentucky University producing the highest-earning alumni at $31,236 annually. The state's rich Civil War heritage and bourbon industry create meaningful career paths for historians, from museum curation to corporate archives at companies like Brown-Forman and Heaven Hill Distilleries. Kentucky's automotive sector, anchored by Toyota's Georgetown plant, also values historians for corporate communications and community relations roles. Centre College achieves an impressive 85.3% graduation rate despite higher costs, while public universities like Murray State balance affordability with solid outcomes at $9,121 net cost and 59.5% graduation rates.
23
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$27,257
Avg. Program Earnings
51.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $24,035 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $27,822 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $9,121 $29,685 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
4 $10,916 $31,236 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
5 $10,089 $23,649 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
6 $9,962 $22,874 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
7 $17,218 $30,409 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
8 $17,634 $30,409 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
9 $21,497 $25,194 $50,550 85.3% 62.9%
10 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
11 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
12 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%
13 $17,839 $14,080 26.4% 98.3%
14 $22,139 $25,000 33.8% 44.4%
15 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
16 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
17 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
18 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
19 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
20 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
21 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
22 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
23 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Berea College achieve such low costs for History students?

Berea College requires all students to work 10-15 hours weekly in campus jobs, which covers tuition costs through their labor program. This reduces the net price to just $4,483 despite a sticker price of $49,326. The college serves students from low-income backgrounds exclusively, with 100% receiving need-based aid. History majors work in archives, museums, and administrative roles that complement their academic studies.

What salary differences exist between Kentucky's public and private History programs?

Western Kentucky University produces the highest-earning History graduates at $31,236 annually, outperforming many private colleges. University of Kentucky and University of Louisville both show $30,409 median earnings, demonstrating strong public university performance. Private institutions like Centre College generate $25,194 earnings despite higher graduation rates at 85.3%. The $8,362 gap between highest and lowest earners reflects program quality and alumni network strength across institutions.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in Kentucky History programs?

Centre College leads with 85.3% graduation rates but costs significantly more than comparable outcomes elsewhere. University of Kentucky balances strong 69.9% graduation rates with reasonable $17,218 net costs. Murray State achieves 59.5% graduation rates at just $9,121 net cost, offering better value than Eastern Kentucky's 49.7% rate at similar pricing. The data shows graduation rates vary widely without clear correlation to post-graduation earnings.

Where do Kentucky History graduates find employment opportunities?

Kentucky's bourbon industry employs historians at distilleries like Maker's Mark and Jim Beam for brand heritage and tourism roles. The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green and Kentucky Derby Museum create specialized positions for automotive and sports historians. State government in Frankfort hires History graduates for archival work and public policy research. Healthcare systems like Humana value historical research skills for policy analysis and community outreach programs.

Is student debt manageable for Kentucky History graduates?

University of Kentucky graduates carry the lowest debt at $18,750 despite strong earning potential of $30,409 annually. Murray State maintains reasonable $21,750 debt loads while producing $29,685 median earnings for positive return on investment. Centre College's $27,000 debt burden represents the highest among reporting schools but remains manageable given private college standards. Most Kentucky public universities keep History major debt below $25,000, creating sustainable payment structures for graduates.

More History Rankings

Cheapest History in Kentucky History Under $20,000 in Kentucky

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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.