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2022 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for History in California

23 Ranked Colleges
231 Degrees Awarded
$22,200 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value History Schools for a Master's in California

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. At College Factual, we’re committed to helping you make that decision by providing information such as that found in our “Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California” ranking.

History is the 30th most popular major in the country with 32,905 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, history graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $29,593 and had an average of $23,490 in loans still to pay off.

Across California, there were 5,424 history graduates with average earnings and debt of $28,877 and $19,249 respectively. At the master’s degree level specifically, there were 231 history graduates with average earnings and debt of $60,281 and $50,119 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California” ranking, we looked at 23 colleges that offer a degree in history. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent history programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the history program at the school. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank History Schools

The history school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California”.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California.

Top 23 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for History in California

#1

University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California
#3 in overall quality

Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Santa Barbara landed the #1 spot on the list. UCSB is located in Santa Barbara, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 masters’s history degrees to qualified students.

UCSB did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Santa Barbara are $28,670.

Read full report on History at UCSB

#12 in overall quality

Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California that were part of this year’s ranking, California State University - Long Beach landed the #2 spot on the list. California State University - Long Beach is a public institution located in Long Beach, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 14 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

CSULB did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - Long Beach are $17,784, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about History at CSULB

#3

University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California
#2 in overall quality

Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Los Angeles landed the #3 spot on the list. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s history degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree history students list, UCLA has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Los Angeles are $28,131.

Read full report on History at University of California - Los Angeles

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Northridge. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California. Located in Northridge, California, this large public school awarded 16 diplomas to qualified masters’s history students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSUN, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at CSUN are $17,955, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on History at California State University - Northridge

#5 in overall quality

Out of the 23 schools in the Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - San Diego landed the #5 spot on the list. La Jolla, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s history degrees to 5 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree history students list, UCSD has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UCSD are $28,631.

Read more about History at UCSD

California State University - Fullerton landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking. Located in Fullerton, California, this large public school handed out 32 degrees to qualified masters’s history students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cal State Fullerton, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Cal State Fullerton are $17,892, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full California State University - Fullerton History Report

California State University - Sacramento ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. California State University - Sacramento is located in Sacramento, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 18 masters’s history degrees to qualified students.

Sac State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #7 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - Sacramento are $18,356.

Read more about History at Sac State

#4 in overall quality

University of California - Irvine ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. Located in Irvine, California, this large public school handed out 10 degrees to qualified masters’s history students in 2019-2020.

UC Irvine not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Irvine are $28,456, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full UC Irvine History Report

#15 in overall quality

California State University - Fresno landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking. California State University - Fresno is a large public school situated in Fresno, California. It awarded 11 masters’s history degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree history students list, Fresno State has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Fresno State are $17,581.

Read full report on History at Fresno State

#10

San Jose State University

San Jose, California

San Jose State University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. San Jose, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s history degrees to 15 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree history students list, San Jose State has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at San Jose State are $18,790, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full San Jose State University History Report

#11 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo did quite well on the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 3 masters’s history degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the school also landed the #11 spot in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo are $21,009, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Cal Poly San Luis Obispo History Report

#12

San Diego State University

San Diego, California
#10 in overall quality

San Diego State University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. San Diego, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s history degrees to 12 students in 2019-2020.

SDSU also made our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #10. Average graduate tuition and fees at SDSU are $18,658, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full San Diego State University History Report

#20 in overall quality

California State University - Stanislaus came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking. Stan State is a public institution located in Turlock, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 8 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Stan State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - Stanislaus are $18,540.

Full Stan State History Report

#14

University of California - Riverside

Riverside, California
#6 in overall quality

University of California - Riverside came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking. University of California - Riverside is a large school located in Riverside, California that handed out 5 masters’s history degrees in 2019-2020.

UCR not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Riverside are $28,686, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about History at UCR

#18 in overall quality

California State University - San Marcos did quite well in the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking, coming in at #15. California State University - San Marcos is a fairly large school located in San Marcos, California that handed out 5 masters’s history degrees in 2019-2020.

CSUSM also made our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list, coming in at #18. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at CSUSM are $18,661.

Full CSUSM History Report

#16

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, California

San Francisco State University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking. SFSU is a large public school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 12 masters’s history degrees in 2019-2020.

SFSU also took the #14 spot in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at San Francisco State University are $17,944, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full San Francisco State University History Report

#19 in overall quality

With a ranking of #17, California State University - Chico did quite well on the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. California State University - Chico is a fairly large school located in Chico, California that handed out 3 masters’s history degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree history students list, Chico State has also earned the #19 rank in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Chico State are $18,802, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on History at Chico State

#18

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, California
#17 in overall quality

Sonoma State University landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking. Rohnert Park, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s history degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at SSU, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Sonoma State University are $18,890, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full SSU History Report

#16 in overall quality

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona did quite well in the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking, coming in at #19. This large school is located in Pomona, California, and it awarded 8 masters’s history degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our california master’s degree history students list, Cal Poly Pomona has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona are $18,377, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on History at California State Polytechnic University - Pomona

#23 in overall quality

With a ranking of #20, California State University - Bakersfield did quite well on the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. Bakersfield, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s history degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

CSUB not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #23 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - Bakersfield are $18,437, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full California State University - Bakersfield History Report

California State University - Los Angeles landed the #21 spot on the 2022 Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California ranking. Cal State LA is a large school located in Los Angeles, California that handed out 16 masters’s history degrees in 2019-2020.

Cal State LA did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at California State University - Los Angeles are $17,723, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about History at Cal State LA

#22 in overall quality

California State University - East Bay ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. California State University - East Bay is located in Hayward, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 8 masters’s history degrees to qualified students.

Cal State East Bay also took the #22 spot in our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Cal State East Bay are $17,828.

Read more about History at California State University - East Bay

#23

Stanford University

Stanford, California
#1 in overall quality

Stanford University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value History Schools for a Master’s in California list. Stanford University is located in Stanford, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 6 masters’s history degrees to qualified students.

Stanford did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #1 on our “Best History Master’s Degree Schools in California” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Stanford University are $55,011, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on History at Stanford University

Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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