2026 Best Value History Education Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Odessa College
Odessa, TX

For return on investment in history education, no school beat Odessa College this year. Set in the city of Odessa, Odessa College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,926 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for history education graduates is $9,087. Soon after graduation, history education degree recipients from Odessa College generally make around $47,856. Set against $9,087 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in history education, landing the #2 spot this year. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $22,009 to complete the history education program here. Soon after graduation, history education degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $49,856. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

3

Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southwestern Oklahoma State University earned it the #3 place for history education. Set in the town of Weatherford, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,469, while out-of-state students pay about $8,499. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the history education program here. History Education graduates of Southwestern Oklahoma State University earn a median of $43,302 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

University Of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK

Students looking for strong value in history education will find it at University Of Central Oklahoma, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for history education graduates is $25,000. Early-career history education graduates make about $47,741. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

5

Hardin Simmons University
Abilene, TX

A rank of #5 makes Hardin Simmons University one of the best values for history education. Located in the city of Abilene, Hardin Simmons University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $32,960. Typical student debt for history education graduates is $27,709. History Education graduates of Hardin Simmons University earn a median of $48,334 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,709 median debt. Hardin Simmons University admits about 90% of applicants.

6

Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City University came in at #6 for value in history education this year. Set in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,754. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the history education program here. History Education graduates of Oklahoma City University earn a median of $34,321 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

7

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University placed #7 among the best values for history education. Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. History Education graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. History Education graduates of Grand Canyon University earn a median of $50,370 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

8

Texas Lutheran University
Seguin, TX

Texas Lutheran University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value history education schools. Set in the town of Seguin, Texas Lutheran University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,230. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the history education program here. History Education graduates of Texas Lutheran University earn a median of $52,270 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

9

Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX

Abilene Christian University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value history education schools. Located in the city of Abilene, Abilene Christian University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,200. History Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. History Education graduates of Abilene Christian University earn a median of $51,360 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Mary Hardin Baylor
Belton, TX

University Of Mary Hardin Baylor came in at #10 for value in history education this year. University Of Mary Hardin Baylor is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Belton. Students from in state pay about $34,300 in tuition and fees. History Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career history education graduates make about $52,133. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Mary Hardin Baylor admits about 96% of applicants.

11

Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, TX

Dallas Baptist University placed #11 among the best values for history education. Dallas Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dallas. Students from in state pay about $40,190 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,819 to complete the history education program here. History Education graduates of Dallas Baptist University earn a median of $56,814 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dallas Baptist University admits about 89% of applicants.