by our College Data Analytics Team
[History](/majors/history/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong history education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 36 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Oakland University earned the #1 spot for value among history schools in Michigan. Oakland University is a large public school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Typical student debt for history graduates is $22,875. History graduates of Oakland University earn a median of $36,257 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in history will find it at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, which ranked #2. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public school located in the city of Ann Arbor. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,494 to complete the history program here. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $40,587. That is a strong return on a $19,494 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.
Saginaw Valley State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value history schools. Located in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,930 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. History graduates carry a median of $29,702 in student loans. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $38,628. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wayne State University earned it the #4 place for history. Set in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Typical student debt for history graduates is $32,544. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from Wayne State University generally make around $41,874. That is a strong return on a $32,544 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Central Michigan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in history, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for history graduates is $25,905. History graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $33,000 early in their careers. Set against $25,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
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Grand Valley State University placed #6 among the best values for history. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Students borrow a median of $25,569 to complete the history program here. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $25,774. That is a strong return on a $25,569 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Eastern Michigan University earned the #7 position for value in history this year. Eastern Michigan University is a large public school located in the suburb of Ypsilanti. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Typical student debt for history graduates is $29,118. History graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $28,414 early in their careers. Set against $29,118 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Kalamazoo College landed the #8 spot for history value this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $60,900. Students borrow a median of $26,118 to complete the history program here. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from Kalamazoo College generally make around $37,374. Set against $26,118 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kalamazoo College admits about 75% of applicants.
Western Michigan University landed the #9 spot for history value this year. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the history program here. History graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $27,087 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Michigan State University landed the #10 spot for history value this year. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for history graduates is $27,000. History graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $32,434 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 36 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.