by our College Data Analytics TeamHistory degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best history schools.
What’s on this page:
If you are not 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.
Leading the list is Brown University, our #1 school for history. Located in the city of Providence, Brown University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. About 48 history degrees were awarded at Brown University in the most recent year. Graduates of the history program make about $42,296 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,491 to complete this degree. Read more about the history program at Brown University
Students looking for a strong history program will find one at University Of Rhode Island, which ranked #2. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Kingston. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 37 history students who graduated with this degree at University Of Rhode Island in the most recent data year. History graduates of University Of Rhode Island earn a median of $34,319 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,469 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in history from University Of Rhode Island
A rank of #3 makes Providence College one of the top schools for history. Set in the city of Providence, Providence College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Providence College awarded about 32 history degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the history program make about $41,923 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. Get the full history details for Providence College
Roger Williams University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in history, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Bristol, Roger Williams University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Roger Williams University awarded about 10 history degrees in the most recent data year. History graduates of Roger Williams University earn a median of $48,664 early in their careers. Roger Williams University graduates carry a median of $25,676 in student loans. More information about a degree in history from Roger Williams University
Students looking for a strong history program will find one at Rhode Island College, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public institution. Rhode Island College graduates 48% of students within six years. About 15 history degrees were awarded at Rhode Island College in the most recent year. Students who receive their history degree from Rhode Island College earn around $31,981 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,141 to complete this degree. Read more about the history program at Rhode Island College
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 7 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.