Skip to main content

Best Value History Colleges in Texas

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

Texas A&M International University stands out among Texas History programs with an strong net cost of just $3,061, making advanced study remarkably affordable in a border region rich with cultural heritage. The $46,779 earnings gap between Rice University graduates ($49,840) and Texas A&M International alumni ($24,615) illustrates how institutional prestige affects post-graduation income potential. Texas offers unique opportunities for History majors through its connection to major healthcare systems like the Texas Medical Center, where medical historians and archivists document the evolution of one of the world's largest medical complexes. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 13 of the top 15 schools offering net costs below $16,000. Rice University breaks this pattern as the sole private institution, delivering the highest graduate earnings at nearly $50,000 annually while maintaining a 95.70% graduation rate that far exceeds the state average.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$34,021
Avg. Program Earnings
52.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,061 $24,615 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
2 $5,458 $39,741 $3,148 26.8%
3 $6,500 $26,739 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
4 $9,144 $37,208 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
5 $12,640 $49,840 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
6 $10,204 $40,048 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
7 $10,948 $38,289 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
8 $11,056 $38,289 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
9 $17,435 $48,041 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
10 $14,623 $39,648 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
11 $10,726 $28,816 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
12 $11,234 $30,167 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
13 $12,915 $33,993 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
14 $15,235 $39,369 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
15 $11,268 $28,236 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
16 $14,352 $35,938 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
17 $13,853 $33,281 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
18 $15,137 $35,600 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
19 $15,152 $35,060 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
20 $16,025 $33,993 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
21 $20,071 $40,426 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
22 $16,438 $29,685 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
23 $11,882 $20,140 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
24 $20,924 $34,942 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
25 $19,678 $28,598 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
26 $33,531 $47,260 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
27 $23,636 $31,839 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
28 $25,470 $33,281 $50,880 68.0% 58.7%
29 $14,041 $16,663 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
30 $41,778 $47,260 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
31 $23,650 $26,353 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
32 $23,451 $25,967 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
33 $20,261 $21,508 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
34 $41,942 $35,864 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
35 $30,092 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
36 $22,587 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
37 $22,240 $36,690 40.5% 85.7%
38 $13,931 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
39 $19,655 $18,610 35.5% 85.7%
40 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
41 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
42 $27,401 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
43 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
44 $20,841 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
45 $10,095 $12,500 20.0%
46 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
47 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
48 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
49 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
50 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M International University the most affordable option for History majors?

Texas A&M International University offers the lowest net cost at $3,061 annually, nearly $3,000 less than the next most affordable option. The university serves the Laredo border region, providing unique access to Mexican-American historical resources and archives. Despite the low cost, graduates face earnings of $24,615, which reflects the regional economy but still provides solid value given the minimal financial investment required.

How does Rice University justify its higher costs compared to public alternatives?

Rice University graduates earn $49,840 annually, nearly double the income of most other programs on this list. The private institution maintains a 95.70% graduation rate and highly selective 8.68% acceptance rate, indicating rigorous academic standards. While the net cost reaches $12,640, the long-term earning potential and completion rates suggest strong return on investment for students who gain admission.

Does the University of Texas system offer consistent value across its campuses?

UT system schools show significant variation in both costs and outcomes across different campuses. UT Dallas commands the highest net cost among public options at $17,435 but delivers strong graduate earnings of $48,041. UT El Paso offers much lower costs at $10,726 with nearly 100% acceptance rates, while UT San Antonio balances moderate costs with solid graduation rates of 51.20%.

Where do History graduates find employment opportunities in Texas?

Texas offers History graduates opportunities beyond traditional teaching roles, particularly in the state's massive healthcare sector. The Texas Medical Center in Houston employs medical historians and archivists to document healthcare evolution and maintain institutional records. Major hospital systems like Baylor Scott & White and MD Anderson also utilize historical research for institutional development and public education programs.

What financial aid options help Texas residents afford History programs?

Texas residents benefit from the TEXAS Grant and Texas Tomorrow Fund programs that specifically support in-state students pursuing higher education. Public universities maintain significantly lower in-state tuition rates, with schools like Texas Southmost College charging just $3,148 annually. The $3,061 to $17,435 net cost range demonstrates how state funding helps keep quality History education accessible across varied economic backgrounds.

More History Rankings

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

Related

All History Programs Best Colleges in Texas Best History in Texas

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.