by our College Data Analytics Team
[History](/majors/history/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong history education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for history students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the history degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in history, no school beat Utah Valley University this year. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. History graduates carry a median of $16,478 in student loans. History graduates of Utah Valley University earn a median of $51,242 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,478 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in history will find it at Weber State University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. History graduates carry a median of $15,750 in student loans. Early-career history graduates make about $53,920. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for history. Set in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. History graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. History graduates of Southern Utah University earn a median of $44,998 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,886 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Utah State University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value history schools. Set in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,237 to complete the history program here. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $31,768. Set against $25,237 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Brigham Young University Provo is a great value for students pursuing a degree in history, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical student debt for history graduates is $15,000. History graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $38,643 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Dixie State College Of Utah placed #6 among the best values for history. Located in the city of Saint George, Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,306, with out-of-state students paying around $18,246. Students borrow a median of $18,666 to complete the history program here. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from Dixie State College Of Utah generally make around $42,266. Set against $18,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Utah placed #7 among the best values for history. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for history graduates is $22,250. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $28,277. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.