by our College Data Analytics Team
[History Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/history-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value history education schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in history education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Washburn University earned the #1 spot for value among history education schools in Kansas. Located in the city of Topeka, Washburn University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,945, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. History Education graduates carry a median of $21,175 in student loans. Early-career history education graduates make about $50,955. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wichita State University earned it the #2 place for history education. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,145 to complete the history education program here. History Education graduates of Wichita State University earn a median of $47,121 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
Students looking for strong value in history education will find it at Pittsburg State University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Typical student debt for history education graduates is $24,125. Early-career history education graduates make about $46,923. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pittsburg State University admits about 89% of applicants.
Friends University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in history education, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Wichita, Friends University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,192. History Education graduates carry a median of $29,721 in student loans. History Education graduates of Friends University earn a median of $47,675 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
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The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.