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Best Value History Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio State University operates five campuses across the state, with their Marion location offering the most affordable History program at just $11,800 net cost annually. This creates an unusual situation where students can access the same degree quality at dramatically different price points, with the main Columbus campus costing $18,292 compared to regional branches. History graduates from Ohio State earn $32,108 annually, positioning them well for opportunities with major Ohio employers like the Ohio Historical Society, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and government agencies that value research and analytical skills. The state's manufacturing heritage and healthcare sectors also hire History majors for roles requiring critical thinking and communication abilities. Public universities dominate Ohio's affordable options, with eight of the ten lowest-cost programs coming from state institutions. Private schools like Ashland University command higher net costs at $21,994 but deliver stronger earnings at $35,274, creating distinct value propositions for different student priorities.
50
Programs
$5,328 – $38,111
Net Price Range
$28,252
Avg. Program Earnings
52.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,800 $32,108 $9,212 25.7%
2 $12,458 $32,108 $9,212 18.1%
3 $14,814 $32,108 $9,212 30.9%
4 $16,512 $32,108 $9,212 14.1%
5 $18,292 $32,108 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
6 $11,877 $20,140 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
7 $15,216 $25,194 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
8 $14,981 $24,421 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
9 $21,994 $35,274 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
10 $23,156 $36,848 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
11 $20,004 $29,608 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
12 $20,918 $29,685 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
13 $19,614 $27,343 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
14 $20,204 $26,353 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
15 $17,460 $21,508 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
16 $27,654 $33,993 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
17 $28,617 $33,993 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
18 $31,236 $35,420 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
19 $20,413 $22,329 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
20 $15,389 $16,169 $9,622 43.0%
21 $27,662 $28,055 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
22 $38,111 $38,289 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
23 $21,662 $21,508 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
24 $25,766 $23,456 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
25 $22,539 $16,169 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
26 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
27 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
28 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
29 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
30 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
31 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
32 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
33 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
34 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
35 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
36 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
37 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
38 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
39 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
40 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
41 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
42 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
43 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
44 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
45 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
46 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
47 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
48 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
49 $29,383 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
50 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio State's regional campuses such good value for History students?

Ohio State's Marion, Lima, Newark, and Mansfield campuses offer the same degree as the main Columbus campus but at significantly lower costs, ranging from $11,800 to $16,512 annually. Students can complete their first two years at a regional campus and transfer to Columbus, or complete their entire degree locally. All Ohio State History graduates earn the same median salary of $32,108 regardless of which campus they attended.

How do graduation rates vary among Ohio's affordable History programs?

Graduation rates span from 14.1% at Ohio State Mansfield to 87.7% at the main Columbus campus, showing dramatic differences in student success. Mid-range schools like Kent State achieve 65.5% graduation rates with moderate costs of $19,614. Regional campuses typically see lower completion rates, while established four-year programs maintain stronger retention despite higher expenses.

Does attending a private university in Ohio lead to better earnings for History majors?

Private schools show mixed results, with Ashland University graduates earning $35,274 compared to $32,108 at Ohio State despite paying $21,994 versus $18,292 annually. However, University of Cincinnati graduates earn the highest at $36,848 while maintaining reasonable public school costs of $23,156. The earnings advantage for private schools is modest and may not justify the additional expense for most students.

Where do Ohio's most affordable History programs rank nationally in terms of debt loads?

Ohio State graduates carry $19,838 in average debt, which is reasonable given their $32,108 earning potential and represents about 62% of first-year earnings. Wright State offers the lowest debt burden at just $15,303 with graduates earning $25,194 annually. Most Ohio programs keep debt below $27,000, making them accessible options compared to national averages for liberal arts degrees.

What career opportunities do Ohio's major employers offer History graduates?

Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center hire History majors for administrative roles, patient advocacy, and healthcare communications positions. Manufacturing companies like Honda value the analytical and research skills History students develop for market analysis and corporate communications roles. Government agencies, museums, and Ohio's growing technology sector also recruit History graduates for positions requiring strong writing and critical thinking abilities.

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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.