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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value History Schools in Kentucky

6 Colleges in the United States
$25,318 Avg Student Debt
$50,875 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value History Badge [History](/majors/history/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 23 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for history students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value History Schools in Kentucky

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in history, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value History Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Murray State University the best value for a degree in history in Kentucky. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. History graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. History graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $27,831 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

2
Northern Kentucky University crest
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in history, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for history graduates is $30,375. History graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median of $29,619 early in their careers. Set against $30,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Kentucky University earned it the #3 place for history. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, while out-of-state students pay about $21,230. History graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $29,346. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

4
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in history, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. History graduates carry a median of $22,965 in student loans. History graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $27,177 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,965 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.

5

A rank of #5 makes Morehead State University one of the best values for history. Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Morehead. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,024, with out-of-state students paying around $14,980. Students borrow a median of $25,896 to complete the history program here. History graduates of Morehead State University earn a median of $41,046 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,896 median debt. Morehead State University admits about 77% of applicants.

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6

University Of Kentucky placed #6 among the best values for history. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical student debt for history graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from University Of Kentucky generally make around $28,432. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants.

7

University Of Louisville ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value history schools. University Of Louisville is a very large public school located in the city of Louisville. Students from in state pay about $13,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. Typical student debt for history graduates is $23,312. History graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $22,047 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.

8
Centre College crest
Centre College
Danville, KY

Centre College earned the #8 position for value in history this year. Located in the town of Danville, Centre College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,820. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the history program here. History graduates of Centre College earn a median of $32,327 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 54% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

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 · 23 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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