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Best Value History Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Williams College delivers the most remarkable value proposition for History majors in Massachusetts, with graduates earning $49,464 annually despite students paying just $14,852 in net costs. This creates an earnings-to-cost ratio that outperforms even Harvard among elite institutions. The state's concentration of museums, historical societies, and research organizations around Boston provides History graduates with unique career pathways in cultural preservation and public history. Massachusetts public universities offer compelling alternatives, with Worcester State University requiring only $14,738 in net costs while producing graduates who earn $31,314. The gap between public and private net costs reaches $17,368 when comparing Williams to Northeastern University, yet both produce graduates with similar earning potential in their early careers. History majors benefit from the state's strong education sector and numerous historical sites that create demand for skilled researchers and interpreters.
48
Programs
$14,738 – $39,866
Net Price Range
$34,989
Avg. Program Earnings
69.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,246 $74,576 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
2 $14,852 $49,464 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
3 $16,816 $49,644 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
4 $15,432 $35,060 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
5 $14,738 $31,314 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
6 $17,970 $33,993 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
7 $18,441 $32,925 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
8 $16,698 $28,019 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
9 $25,008 $41,937 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
10 $18,707 $30,409 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
11 $18,561 $29,250 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
12 $18,282 $28,598 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
13 $29,969 $42,123 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
14 $28,853 $39,369 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
15 $32,116 $42,682 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
16 $23,691 $30,499 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
17 $20,605 $26,353 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
18 $18,627 $22,087 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
19 $30,934 $36,134 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
20 $36,868 $42,363 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
21 $26,996 $29,995 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
22 $35,435 $39,369 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
23 $24,817 $27,439 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
24 $33,885 $37,208 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
25 $26,181 $26,353 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
26 $39,866 $37,748 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
27 $29,562 $24,035 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
28 $27,711 $22,087 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
29 $30,031 $23,649 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
30 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
31 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
32 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
33 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
34 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
35 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
36 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
37 $21,436 $42,061 64.7% 90.9%
38 $31,065 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
39 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
40 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
41 $31,805 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
42 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
43 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
44 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
45 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
46 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
47 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
48 $30,236 $44,960 43.2% 76.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Williams College such strong value for History majors despite its high sticker price?

Williams College provides substantial financial aid that brings the average net cost down to $14,852, while History graduates earn $49,464 annually. The college maintains a 96.6% graduation rate and accepts only 8.5% of applicants. This combination of affordability through aid and strong post-graduation earnings creates strong return on investment.

How do Massachusetts public universities compare for History program value?

Worcester State University offers the lowest net cost at $14,738 with graduates earning $31,314, while Fitchburg State follows closely at $15,432 net cost. Most state universities maintain similar in-state tuition around $11,000-$12,000 but vary in their financial aid packages. Graduation rates at public institutions range from 49.1% to 55.5%, significantly lower than private alternatives.

Is Harvard University worth the premium for History students?

Harvard's net cost of $16,816 positions it competitively against other elite options, with graduates earning $49,644 annually. The university maintains a 97.3% graduation rate and accepts just 3.24% of applicants, making admission extremely competitive. Students graduate with an average debt load of $12,721, relatively modest compared to many private institutions.

Does location within Massachusetts affect job prospects for History graduates?

Boston-area schools benefit from proximity to numerous museums, historical societies, and research institutions that employ History graduates. Cambridge and Boston specifically offer access to organizations like the Massachusetts Historical Society and Boston Public Library's research divisions. Schools in smaller cities like Fitchburg or North Adams may offer fewer immediate local opportunities but maintain strong alumni networks throughout the state.

Where can History majors find the best balance of cost and career outcomes?

Amherst College provides strong value with graduates earning $74,576 annually against an $18,246 net cost, representing the highest post-graduation earnings in the state. For students seeking lower costs, Worcester State University at $14,738 net cost produces graduates earning $31,314. The earnings gap between top-tier and mid-tier options reaches $43,262, reflecting the premium value of elite liberal arts education.

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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.