College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2024 Best History Schools

393 Colleges in the United States
32,731 History Degrees Awarded
$30,467 Avg Early-Career Salary
History is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #30 most popular major in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

College Factual looked at 393 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best History Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 32,731 degrees in history to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great History School

Best History Schools Your choice of history school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for history schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

History Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in History
Bachelor's Degrees in History
Master's Degrees in History
Doctor's Degrees in History

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best History Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.


 

Best Schools for History in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the history degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in History

1
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
178 History Degrees Awarded
$56,755 Median Starting Salary

Harvard University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in history. Located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 178 history students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available. History degree recipients from Harvard University earn a boost of approximately $26,287 over the typical income of history majors.

More information about a degree in history from Harvard University

2
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
165 History Degrees Awarded
$52,357 Median Starting Salary

Yale University is a good decision for students interested in a degree in history. Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Haven. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were roughly 165 history students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the history degree program at Yale University make $21,890 more than the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in history from Yale University

3
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
71 History Degrees Awarded
$50,380 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in history needs to take a look at University of Pennsylvania. UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were approximately 71 history students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent year we have data available. Those history students who get their degree from University of Pennsylvania make $19,913 more than the average history grad.

More information about a degree in history from University of Pennsylvania

4
Princeton crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
76 History Degrees Awarded
$50,775 Median Starting Salary

Princeton University is a good option for students pursuing a degree in history. Located in the small city of Princeton, Princeton is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #10 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Princeton is a great university overall.

There were approximately 76 history students who graduated with this degree at Princeton in the most recent data year. Those history students who get their degree from Princeton University earn $20,308 more than the typical history grad.

More information about a degree in history from Princeton University

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
103 History Degrees Awarded
4.9% Growth in Graduates

UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were approximately 103 history students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the history degree program at University of Chicago make $9,879 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in history from University of Chicago

6
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
61 History Degrees Awarded
$45,091 Median Starting Salary

Duke is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Durham. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were approximately 61 history students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the history degree program at Duke University earn $14,624 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in history from Duke University

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
48 History Degrees Awarded
$47,439 Median Starting Salary

Notre Dame is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Notre Dame. This university ranks 1st out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 48 history students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Those history students who get their degree from University of Notre Dame make $16,972 more than the standard history graduate.

More information about a degree in history from University of Notre Dame

8
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
73 History Degrees Awarded
12.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 73 history students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available. Those history students who get their degree from Vanderbilt University make $9,991 more than the standard history grad.

More information about a degree in history from Vanderbilt University

9
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
76 History Degrees Awarded
15.8% Growth in Graduates

Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were about 76 history students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year. History degree recipients from Georgetown University earn a boost of about $16,224 above the typical income of history majors.

More information about a degree in history from Georgetown University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
218 History Degrees Awarded
$41,934 Median Starting Salary

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 218 history students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the history degree program at Columbia University in the City of New York make $11,466 above the typical graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in history from Columbia University in the City of New York

11
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
91 History Degrees Awarded
$42,584 Median Starting Salary

Brown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Providence. This university ranks 1st out of 9 schools for overall quality in the state of Rhode Island.

There were about 91 history students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the history degree program at Brown University earn $12,117 above the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in history from Brown University

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
82 History Degrees Awarded
30.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were approximately 82 history students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the history degree program at Northwestern University make $8,524 more than the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in history from Northwestern University

13
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
141 History Degrees Awarded
$45,990 Median Starting Salary

NYU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. This university ranks 4th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 141 history students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent year we have data available. Those history students who get their degree from New York University make $15,523 more than the typical history graduate.

More information about a degree in history from New York University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
90 History Degrees Awarded
25.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 90 history students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, history degree recipients usually earn around $29,963 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in history from University of Southern California

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
159 History Degrees Awarded
$38,890 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 159 history students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the history program at University of Virginia - Main Campus earn $8,423 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in history from University of Virginia - Main Campus

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
117 History Degrees Awarded
10.3% Growth in Graduates

UIUC is a very large public university located in the city of Champaign. This university ranks 3rd out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 117 history students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Those history students who get their degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign make $9,015 more than the average history grad.

More information about a degree in history from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

17
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
43 History Degrees Awarded
$47,243 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Medford, Tufts is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 43 history students who graduated with this degree at Tufts in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the history degree program at Tufts University get $16,776 above the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in history from Tufts University

18
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
47 History Degrees Awarded
$37,286 Median Starting Salary

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Atlanta. This university ranks 2nd out of 68 colleges for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were approximately 47 history students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year. Those history students who get their degree from Emory University earn $6,819 more than the typical history graduate.

More information about a degree in history from Emory University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
154 History Degrees Awarded
2.6% Growth in Graduates

UW - Madison is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Madison. This university ranks 1st out of 46 colleges for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 154 history students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, history degree recipients usually earn about $28,843 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in history from University of Wisconsin - Madison

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
160 History Degrees Awarded
13.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 160 history students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the history program report average early career wages of $31,870.

More information about a degree in history from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
344 History Degrees Awarded
$25,829 Median Starting Salary

UCLA is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Los Angeles. This university ranks 5th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 344 history students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the history program make about $25,829 for their early career.

More information about a degree in history from University of California - Los Angeles

22
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
59 History Degrees Awarded
15.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the remote town of Hanover, Dartmouth is a private not-for-profit college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 1st out of 17 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.

There were roughly 59 history students who graduated with this degree at Dartmouth in the most recent year we have data available. Those history students who get their degree from Dartmouth College receive $12,218 more than the average history graduate.

More information about a degree in history from Dartmouth College

23
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
91 History Degrees Awarded
20.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Chestnut Hill, Boston College is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 8th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 91 history students who graduated with this degree at Boston College in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the history program at Boston College make $16,902 more than the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in history from Boston College

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
78 History Degrees Awarded
$42,168 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 8 schools for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were approximately 78 history students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Those history students who get their degree from George Washington University earn $11,701 more than the typical history graduate.

More information about a degree in history from George Washington University

25
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
149 History Degrees Awarded
2.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were about 149 history students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the history program earn around $31,678 for their early career.

More information about a degree in history from University of California - Berkeley

Rest of the Top Best History Schools

26
27
28
29
30
31
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
32

33

34
35
Amherst crest
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
36
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
37
38
39
Williams crest
Williams College
Williamstown, MA
40
Ashland crest
Ashland University
Ashland, OH
41

42

43
44
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
45
46
47
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
48
49
50
Barnard crest
Barnard College
New York, NY

Additional Award Winners

This section shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Best History Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 393 different United States history schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
52 Iowa State University Ames, IA
53 University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Norman, OK
54 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA
55 Middlebury College Middlebury, VT
56 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
57 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
58 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for History students that almost earned our Best History Schools award.

Rank College Location
59 Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ
60 Virginia Military Institute Lexington, VA
61 Clemson University Clemson, SC
62 Illinois State University Normal, IL
63 University of Georgia Athens, GA
63 Brandeis University Waltham, MA
65 Kenyon College Gambier, OH
66 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
67 University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SC
68 University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA
69 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
70 Centre College Danville, KY
71 University of Iowa Iowa City, IA
72 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
73 University of California - Riverside Riverside, CA
74 University of California - Irvine Irvine, CA
75 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
76 Northeastern University Boston, MA
77 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
78 Villanova University Villanova, PA

History by Region

View the Best History Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

History is one of 0 different types of History programs to choose from.

History Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
General History 31,397
Other History 527
History and Philosophy of Science and Technology 233
Public/Applied History 229
Military History 209
American History (United States) 119
European History 15
Asian History 2

View All History Concentrations >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options