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Cheapest Classical and Ancient Studies Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Rice University delivers the most surprising value in Classical and Ancient Studies, charging just $12,640 net while maintaining a 95.70% graduation rate that towers above other affordable options. This private institution in Houston costs nearly the same as public University of Illinois Chicago at $12,313, creating an unusual pricing market where elite private education matches state school affordability. The earnings potential spans from $17,950 to $29,685, with UC Berkeley graduates commanding the highest salaries at $29,685 annually. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, though acceptance rates vary dramatically from UCLA's selective 8.57% to Kansas's accessible 87.84%. The Southwest region, particularly Texas, offers growing opportunities for classics graduates in museum curation and cultural preservation as cities like Houston and Dallas expand their cultural institutions.
50
Programs
$12,313 – $30,703
Net Price Range
$23,818
Avg. Program Earnings
79.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Classical and Ancient Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
2 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
3 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
4 $12,973 $41,054 63.1% 88.8%
5 $13,816 $11,180 87.2% 42.6%
6 $13,945 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
7 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
8 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
9 $14,979 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
10 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
11 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
12 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
13 $17,365 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
14 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
15 $18,328 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
16 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
17 $18,873 $58,764 81.7% 79.3%
18 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
19 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
20 $19,407 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%
21 $19,655 $18,610 35.5% 85.7%
22 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
23 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
24 $20,786 $64,910 95.6% 9.2%
25 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
26 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
27 $21,826 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
28 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
29 $22,752 $56,970 83.5% 56.4%
30 $23,911 $60,774 91.8% 11.4%
31 $23,939 $66,600 90.2% 7.6%
32 $24,546 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
33 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
34 $24,875 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
35 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
36 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
37 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
38 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
39 $26,572 $68,230 95.9% 5.1%
40 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
41 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
42 $27,759 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
43 $27,888 $67,316 91.6% 14.4%
44 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
45 $28,619 $65,739 96.0% 6.4%
46 $29,107 $67,024 90.5% 12.4%
47 $29,550 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
48 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
49 $30,525 $52,284 75.2% 77.0%
50 $30,703 $63,478 90.6% 13.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University competitive with public school pricing for classics programs?

Rice University charges just $12,640 net for Classical and Ancient Studies, placing it second among affordable options despite being private. The school maintains a 95.70% graduation rate, significantly higher than most public alternatives. This pricing strategy reflects Rice's substantial endowment support for humanities students. The combination of low cost and high completion rates makes Rice an strong value in classics education.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable classics programs?

Graduation rates span from 51.20% at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to Rice University's 95.70%, showing dramatic variation in student success. UC schools consistently perform well, with Berkeley at 92.90% and UCLA at 92.70% despite low net costs. Public universities like Purdue achieve 83.10% completion rates while maintaining affordable $13,945 net pricing. These differences often reflect institutional resources and student support services available for classics majors.

Is there a significant earnings gap among affordable classics programs?

UC Berkeley graduates earn $29,685 annually, representing the highest reported earnings in this affordable tier. This figure exceeds typical starting salaries for classics majors by substantial margins. Most programs in this price range report earnings between $17,950 and $29,685 annually. The earning potential often correlates with program reputation and geographic location rather than program cost.

Does acceptance rate predict program quality in affordable classics education?

UCLA accepts just 8.57% of applicants while charging $14,013 net, demonstrating high selectivity doesn't necessarily increase costs. Rice University's 8.68% acceptance rate matches UCLA's selectivity at similar pricing. Meanwhile, University of Kansas accepts 87.84% of applicants at $17,365 net cost, showing accessible programs can still provide quality education. Selectivity often reflects institutional prestige rather than program affordability or value.

Where do public universities offer the best value for classics studies?

California universities dominate value rankings, with UC Irvine at $12,840 net and UCLA at $14,013 providing excellent education at low costs. University of Georgia offers strong value at $13,816 net with an 87.20% graduation rate. Purdue University combines affordable $13,945 pricing with solid 83.10% completion rates in West Lafayette. These public institutions provide quality classics education while maintaining accessibility for varied student populations.

More Classical and Ancient Studies Rankings

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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.