Skip to main content

Best Value History Colleges in Virginia

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

Virginia Military Institute stands apart with the highest History graduate earnings at $45,094, despite charging just $18,849 in net costs. This military academy's unique approach pays off in a state where defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton actively recruit History graduates for intelligence analysis and strategic planning roles. The earnings gap between VMI and University of Virginia's College at Wise, where graduates earn $20,140, spans nearly $25,000 annually. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with UVA-Wise offering the lowest net cost at $11,180. Private institutions like Randolph-Macon College charge $27,759 but still produce graduates earning $36,141. Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for History majors in government agencies, think tanks, and consulting firms. The state's 15 programs show dramatic variation in both cost and outcomes, with graduation rates ranging from 44% at Old Dominion to 95% at the University of Virginia main campus.
39
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$30,141
Avg. Program Earnings
60.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

39 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,170 $35,701 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
2 $18,849 $45,094 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
3 $17,833 $32,925 $33,157 55.7%
4 $18,287 $33,459 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
5 $11,180 $20,140 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
6 $22,881 $40,605 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
7 $20,173 $35,060 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
8 $16,640 $27,823 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
9 $19,452 $30,672 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
10 $21,816 $33,993 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
11 $23,790 $33,565 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
12 $22,197 $30,984 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
13 $20,814 $27,823 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
14 $22,529 $29,685 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
15 $27,759 $36,141 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
16 $23,911 $30,409 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
17 $21,108 $24,615 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
18 $19,580 $21,964 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
19 $18,749 $18,401 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
20 $29,552 $23,761 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
21 $27,786 $20,140 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
22 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
23 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
24 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
25 $25,153 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
26 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
27 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
28 $33,417 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%
29 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
30 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
31 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
32 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
33 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
34 $32,145 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
35 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%
36 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
37 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
38 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
39 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Virginia Military Institute's History program worth the investment?

VMI History graduates earn $45,094 annually, the highest among Virginia programs, while paying just $18,849 in net costs. The institute maintains an 81.8% graduation rate and accepts 71% of applicants. VMI's military structure and leadership training create graduates highly sought after by defense contractors and government agencies throughout the Washington D.C. region.

How much can students save by choosing public over private History programs?

Public university net costs range from $11,180 to $23,790, while private institutions like Randolph-Macon charge $27,759. University of Virginia's College at Wise offers the lowest cost at $11,180, saving students over $16,000 annually compared to the most expensive option. However, private schools often provide smaller class sizes and more personalized attention that can justify the higher investment.

Is the University of Virginia main campus worth its higher cost for History majors?

UVA charges $22,881 in net costs but maintains a 95.3% graduation rate, the highest in Virginia. History graduates earn $40,605 annually, ranking second behind VMI. The university's 18.7% acceptance rate reflects its selectivity, and its location near Washington D.C. provides extensive internship opportunities in government and policy organizations.

Does Virginia offer good job prospects for History graduates?

Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities in federal agencies, defense contractors, and think tanks. Major employers like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton actively recruit History graduates for analytical roles. The state's History programs produce graduates earning between $20,140 and $45,094 annually, with the top programs consistently placing alumni in government and private sector positions.

What graduation rates should students expect from Virginia History programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 44.4% at Old Dominion University to 95.3% at the University of Virginia main campus. William & Mary achieves a 91% graduation rate, while Virginia Tech reaches 86.3%. Military and highly selective institutions tend to have the highest completion rates, often exceeding 80%, while open-access universities typically graduate around 50% of their History students.

More History Rankings

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

Related

All History Programs Best Colleges in Virginia Best History in Virginia

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