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Best Value History Colleges in Michigan

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

University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers the strongest return on investment for History majors in Michigan, with graduates earning $35,060 annually while paying just $10,904 in net costs. This creates a compelling value proposition that outperforms even Ann Arbor's flagship campus, where History graduates earn $29,250 despite the institution's selectivity at 17.69% acceptance. Michigan's automotive heritage and manufacturing legacy provide unique opportunities for History graduates to work in corporate archives, museums, and cultural preservation roles at companies like Ford Motor Company and the Henry Ford Museum. The state's 15 featured programs range from highly accessible options like Oakland University with 90.05% acceptance to specialized private institutions, with net costs spanning $10,904 to $24,783. Public universities dominate the value market, particularly when factored with Michigan's Achievement Scholarship covering up to $5,500 for in-state students, making programs even more affordable for residents.
31
Programs
$10,904 – $26,409
Net Price Range
$28,692
Avg. Program Earnings
60.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $35,060 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $13,584 $34,704 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
3 $14,773 $30,771 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
4 $14,582 $29,995 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
5 $14,832 $29,250 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
6 $16,041 $30,554 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
7 $17,096 $31,236 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
8 $12,280 $21,964 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
9 $18,902 $27,476 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
10 $18,701 $26,933 $15,298 57.8% 84.6%
11 $20,751 $28,598 $15,988 82.2% 88.0%
12 $17,485 $22,420 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
13 $24,783 $24,035 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
14 $21,158 $33,076 37.0% 84.6%
15 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
16 $20,899 $32,580 59.9% 47.3%
17 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
18 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
19 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
20 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
21 $21,504 $40,556 56.0% 69.1%
22 $25,749 $40,420 82.3% 80.5%
23 $18,700 $19,990 25.9%
24 $22,384 $29,100 61.6% 81.8%
25 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
26 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
27 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
28 $26,409 $34,200 50.0% 70.2%
29 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
30 $24,663 $47,430 63.7% 64.7%
31 $16,882 $55,746 57.1% 66.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn the top value for History in Michigan?

UM-Dearborn combines the lowest net cost at $10,904 with the highest graduate earnings at $35,060, creating an strong return on investment. The campus benefits from proximity to Detroit's automotive industry and cultural institutions while maintaining smaller class sizes than Ann Arbor. With 54.10% acceptance rate, the program remains accessible while delivering strong career outcomes for graduates entering Michigan's job market.

How do public versus private costs compare for Michigan History programs?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with net costs ranging from $10,904 to $20,751 compared to private institutions at $17,185 to $24,783. Calvin University represents the highest cost at $24,783 but graduates earn only $24,035, creating a negative return ratio. Michigan residents benefit further from in-state tuition rates, with most public programs charging $12,240 to $17,228 before financial aid.

Where do History graduates find the strongest earning potential in Michigan?

UM-Dearborn leads with $35,060 average earnings, followed closely by Oakland University at $34,704. These figures reflect the schools' connections to Detroit's cultural sector and automotive industry archives. Grand Valley State graduates earn $31,236 with strong regional placement, while Central Michigan produces graduates earning $30,554 with broad geographic mobility throughout the Midwest.

Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor worth the higher costs for History majors?

Despite Ann Arbor's 93.20% graduation rate and well-known reputation, History graduates earn $29,250 compared to Dearborn's $35,060 at nearly $4,000 higher net cost. The flagship campus offers research opportunities and alumni networks that some students value beyond immediate earnings. However, purely from a financial perspective, Dearborn and Oakland provide superior value propositions for History students.

What graduation rates should History students expect at Michigan universities?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's 93.20% to Olivet's 37.00%, typically correlating with selectivity and resources. Mid-tier public options like Grand Valley State achieve 68.60% while Central Michigan reaches 61.80%. Students should consider that programs with 90% acceptance rates like Oakland still maintain 56.90% graduation rates, suggesting accessible admission doesn't necessarily predict completion challenges.

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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.