Best Colleges for History

History majors develop critical thinking and research skills that prepare them for diverse career paths in education, law, government, and beyond. With 545 schools offering history programs nationwide, students have numerous options to consider. The average starting salary for history graduates is $30,312, though earnings potential grows significantly with advanced degrees and specialized experience.

When evaluating history programs, students should examine faculty expertise, research opportunities, and internship partnerships with museums, archives, or historical organizations. Look for programs that emphasize primary source analysis, writing instruction, and digital humanities skills. Strong alumni networks and career services support can also enhance job prospects after graduation.

Schools Ranked

$47,918

Avg. Program Earnings

86.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	Amherst College Amherst, Massachusetts	$74,576	93.4%	private-nonprofit
2	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$53,775	96.8%	private-nonprofit
3	Duke University Durham, North Carolina	$52,941	95.8%	private-nonprofit
4	Bates College Lewiston, Maine	$51,273	90.6%	private-nonprofit
5	Dartmouth College Hanover, New Hampshire	$50,856	96.0%	private-nonprofit
6	Rice University Houston, Texas	$49,840	95.7%	private-nonprofit
7	Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$49,644	97.3%	private-nonprofit
8	Williams College Williamstown, Massachusetts	$49,464	96.6%	private-nonprofit
9	The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, Texas	$48,041	70.8%	public
10	Yale University New Haven, Connecticut	$47,260	96.3%	private-nonprofit
11	New York University New York, New York	$47,260	88.5%	private-nonprofit
12	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$47,260	83.3%	private-nonprofit
13	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$47,260	85.6%	private-nonprofit
14	George Washington University Washington, District of Columbia	$46,673	85.2%	private-nonprofit
15	American University Washington, District of Columbia	$45,852	78.5%	private-nonprofit
16	University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, Indiana	$45,529	96.8%	private-nonprofit
17	Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Virginia	$45,094	81.8%	public
18	Santa Clara University Santa Clara, California	$43,798	88.5%	private-nonprofit
19	Princeton University Princeton, New Jersey	$43,798	97.1%	private-nonprofit
20	American Public University System Charles Town, West Virginia	$43,798	53.2%	private-forprofit
21	Fordham University Bronx, New York	$43,240	80.3%	private-nonprofit
22	Northeastern University Oakland Oakland, California	$42,682		private-nonprofit
23	San Jose State University San Jose, California	$42,682	64.7%	public
24	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$42,682	90.4%	private-nonprofit
25	Le Moyne College Syracuse, New York	$42,682	71.0%	private-nonprofit