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Best Value History Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's History programs reveal a striking cost-to-earnings paradox that challenges conventional wisdom about education value. While the University of Pennsylvania commands a $31,229 net cost and delivers $53,775 in post-graduation earnings, East Stroudsburg University achieves solid career outcomes at just $15,089 annually. The 20 programs across the state range from budget-friendly public options under $20,000 to elite private institutions exceeding $40,000. Pennsylvania's rich historical heritage creates natural career pathways for History graduates, with major employers like UPMC requiring archivists and research specialists, while the state's pharmaceutical giants such as GSK and Merck value analytical skills that History majors develop. West Chester University stands out with a 69.8% graduation rate at $22,673 net cost, proving that moderate investment can yield strong completion rates. The data shows that choosing between a $15,089 program and a $40,000 option isn't simply about prestige, but understanding how different institutions prepare graduates for Pennsylvania's evolving job market.
50
Programs
$15,089 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$29,769
Avg. Program Earnings
66.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $15,089 $29,685 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
2 $31,229 $53,775 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
3 $19,524 $31,828 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
4 $17,216 $27,476 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
5 $17,034 $26,933 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
6 $22,673 $35,351 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
7 $25,544 $38,289 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
8 $18,952 $26,933 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
9 $23,553 $33,382 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
10 $20,800 $29,461 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
11 $21,664 $29,685 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
12 $20,231 $27,048 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
13 $19,685 $25,194 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
14 $35,487 $39,009 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
15 $40,429 $42,682 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
16 $29,219 $30,843 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
17 $21,205 $21,234 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
18 $22,746 $22,771 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
19 $39,061 $39,009 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
20 $30,086 $28,598 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
21 $23,281 $21,964 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
22 $25,866 $23,182 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
23 $30,074 $26,933 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
24 $32,191 $28,598 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
25 $34,978 $29,685 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
26 $30,528 $24,421 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
27 $30,485 $23,649 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
28 $21,900 $15,922 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
29 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
30 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
31 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
32 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
33 $29,944 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
34 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
35 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
36 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
37 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
38 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
39 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
40 $40,690 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
41 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
42 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
43 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
44 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
45 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
46 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
47 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
48 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
49 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
50 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes East Stroudsburg University such a strong value for History majors?

East Stroudsburg University offers the lowest net cost among Pennsylvania History programs at $15,089 while maintaining reasonable career outcomes with $29,685 average earnings. The 93.63% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 43.8% graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for academic challenges. The university's location in the Pocono Mountains region provides access to historical sites and internship opportunities that supplement classroom learning.

How do public versus private History programs compare in Pennsylvania?

Public programs like Slippery Rock University ($19,524 net cost) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania ($17,216) offer significant savings compared to private options. However, private institutions such as Washington & Jefferson College deliver higher average earnings at $38,289 despite a $25,544 net cost. The graduation rate gap is notable, with West Chester University achieving 69.8% compared to some private colleges struggling below 45%.

Is the University of Pennsylvania worth its high cost for History students?

The University of Pennsylvania justifies its $31,229 net cost with strong outcomes including $53,775 average earnings and a 96.8% graduation rate. The 6.5% acceptance rate reflects intense competition, but graduates enter a network that opens doors across Pennsylvania's finance and healthcare sectors. The debt load averages just $10,000, indicating strong financial aid that helps offset the sticker price.

Where can History majors find the best graduation rates in Pennsylvania?

Bucknell University leads with an 86.2% graduation rate, though at $40,429 net cost it represents the state's most expensive option. West Chester University provides a middle ground at 69.8% graduation rate for $22,673, while Washington & Jefferson College achieves 71.4% completion. Public universities generally show lower graduation rates, with East Stroudsburg at 43.8% representing the bottom of the range.

How do debt levels vary across Pennsylvania History programs?

Student debt ranges dramatically from $10,000 at the University of Pennsylvania to $27,000 at multiple institutions including Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Washington & Jefferson College. The University of Pittsburgh campuses maintain moderate debt levels around $21,500, while state universities typically fall between $25,000-$27,000. These figures reflect different financial aid strategies and student population demographics across institution types.

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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.