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 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best history schools.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall history education in Maine.
Bates College tops our 2026 ranking of the best history schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Lewiston. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. Bates College awarded about 17 history degrees in the most recent data year. History graduates of Bates College earn a median of $43,933 early in their careers. Bates College graduates carry a median of $12,226 in student loans. See the full history program report for Bates College
Students looking for a strong history program will find one at Bowdoin College, which ranked #2. Located in the town of Brunswick, Bowdoin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. There were roughly 21 history students who graduated with this degree at Bowdoin College in the most recent data year. History graduates of Bowdoin College earn a median of $58,938 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,658. More information about a degree in history from Bowdoin College
Colby College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in history, ranking #3. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Waterville. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Colby College awarded about 13 history degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, history degree recipients from Colby College generally make around $46,772. Typical student debt for the program is $22,016. More information about a degree in history from Colby College
A rank of #4 makes University Of Southern Maine one of the top schools for history. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. University Of Southern Maine graduates 40% of students within six years. University Of Southern Maine awarded about 33 history degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their history degree from University Of Southern Maine earn around $36,876 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. See the full history program report for University Of Southern Maine
Students looking for a strong history program will find one at University Of Maine, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Orono, University Of Maine is a large public university. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 27 history students who graduated with this degree at University Of Maine in the most recent data year. Students who receive their history degree from University Of Maine earn around $31,357 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Maine graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full history details for University Of Maine
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 8 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.