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2024 Best History Schools

377 Colleges in the United States
32,731 History Degrees Awarded
$30,467 Avg Early-Career Salary
You'll be studying one of the lesser sought-after majors if you pursue a degree in history. It is ranked #23 out of 38 major degree programs in terms of popularity. This may make is a little harder to find a school that is a good fit for you.

College Factual looked at 377 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. For our Best Overall History School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that 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

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 the Best History Schools. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.


 

Best Schools for History in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the history degrees they offer, see the list below. 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

Any student who is interested in history has to take a look at Harvard University. Located in the midsize 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 about 178 history students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the history major at Harvard University earn $26,287 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

It is difficult to beat Yale University if you want to pursue a degree in history. Yale is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized 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. Those history students who get their degree from Yale University receive $21,890 more than the standard history graduate.

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

University of Pennsylvania is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in history. UPenn is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 colleges 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 data year. History degree recipients from University of Pennsylvania earn a boost of around $19,913 over the average income of history majors.

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

It's hard to beat Princeton University if you want to pursue a degree in history. Located in the 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 schools nationwide means Princeton is a great university overall.

There were about 76 history students who graduated with this degree at Princeton in the most recent year we have data available. History degree recipients from Princeton University get an earnings boost of approximately $20,308 above the average income of history graduates.

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 large city of Chicago. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 103 history students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year. Those history students who get their degree from University of Chicago make $9,879 more than the typical history graduate.

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

There were about 61 history students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Those history students who get their degree from Duke University make $14,624 more than the typical history graduate.

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 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 approximately 48 history students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year. History degree recipients from University of Notre Dame receive an earnings boost of around $16,972 above the typical income of history graduates.

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

There were about 73 history students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year. History degree recipients from Vanderbilt University earn a boost of around $9,991 above the typical income of history majors.

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 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. Degree recipients from the history major at Georgetown University get $16,224 above the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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 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 about 218 history students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year. Those history students who get their degree from Columbia University in the City of New York make $11,466 more than the typical history student.

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. Those history students who get their degree from Brown University earn $12,117 more than the average history grad.

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 colleges 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 year we have data available. Those history students who get their degree from Northwestern University make $8,524 more than the typical history grad.

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 fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. This university ranks 4th out of 142 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 141 history students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year. History degree recipients from New York University receive an earnings boost of around $15,523 over the average earnings of history graduates.

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 very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 schools 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. Graduates who receive their degree from the history program earn around $29,963 in the first couple years of their career.

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 small suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 63 colleges 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. Those history students who get their degree from University of Virginia - Main Campus earn $8,423 more than the average history student.

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 small city of Champaign. This university ranks 3rd out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were approximately 117 history students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent data year. History degree recipients from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign get an earnings boost of approximately $9,015 over the typical earnings of history graduates.

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

There were approximately 43 history students who graduated with this degree at Tufts in the most recent data year. Those history students who get their degree from Tufts University earn $16,776 more than the typical history grad.

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

There were roughly 47 history students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year. History degree recipients from Emory University receive an earnings boost of about $6,819 over the typical earnings of history majors.

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 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were roughly 154 history students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the history program earn about $28,843 for their early 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 city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 160 history students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent data year. After graduating, history degree recipients typically make about $31,870 at the beginning of their careers.

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 city of Los Angeles. This university ranks 5th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 344 history students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the history program state that they receive average early career earnings of $25,829.

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 approximately 59 history students who graduated with this degree at Dartmouth in the most recent data year. History degree recipients from Dartmouth College earn a boost of about $12,218 over the typical income of history graduates.

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

There were roughly 91 history students who graduated with this degree at Boston College in the most recent year we have data available. Those history students who get their degree from Boston College make $16,902 more than the standard history graduate.

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

There were roughly 78 history students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. History degree recipients from George Washington University get an earnings boost of about $11,701 above the typical earnings of history majors.

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 medium-sized 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 approximately 149 history students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the history program report average early career income of $31,678.

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

Rest of the Top Best History Schools

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31
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
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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

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

Additional Award Winners

This list represents the rest of the schools awarded a Best History Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 377 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

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank College Location
57 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
58 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA
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

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 Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
History 32,731

View All History Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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