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Interested in pursuing your undergrad in history? This article will cover the best colleges for history majors in the US.
History has proven itself to be a popular major for many undergraduate students and for a good reason. History can include comprehensive studies on people and culture and also using skills such as writing and data analysis. It’s an excellent precursor for graduate studies in law, politics, and even arts like music, making it an exciting and thought-provoking major.
If you’re passionate about history and want to pursue it in your undergraduate journey, know that some schools are a better choice than others. Here’s a breakdown of the best colleges for history majors, in no particular order.
Many of the colleges known for their history programs are private Ivy League colleges, which are normally held to a higher standard in comparison to public universities. These colleges typically have a lower acceptance rate, higher tuition, and a vast history.
We’ve ranked our list of the top ten schools for history majors based on a number of criteria:
This article will cover each of these colleges and what makes their history programs the best of the best. Let’s get started!
Acceptance Rate: 6%
Tuition: $59,710
Location: Princeton, New Jersey
When choosing a college for history, you can never go wrong with one in the Ivy League. Rich in its history, it was chartered in 1846 - making Princeton the fourth oldest college in the United States.
Princeton is a world-class teaching and research university with a low professor-to-student ratio, paving the way for stronger working relationships between both. On average, you’ll need an SAT score between 1540 and 1580 or an ACT score ranging from 35-36 to get in. Princeton is selective, with an acceptance rate of 4%.
According to Princeton, completing a major in history at the school “prepares you to be a thoughtful scholar.” The program boasts 40 courses in history to choose from, alongside 60 faculty members.
Because of the extensive array of options, students can choose courses about their unique interests (alongside course requirements), which may not be possible at a smaller, less recognized college.
Princeton currently offers an undergraduate bachelor of arts, designed to be completed in four years, and a Ph.D., designed to be completed in five years.
While it’s best known for its focus on pre-modern European history, locations and topics of historical study include:
If majoring in History at Princeton is your calling, don’t forget to check out this comprehensive guide on How to Get into Princeton.
Acceptance Rate: 3%
Tuition: $59,076
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
What better place to major in history than the oldest college in the United States? Founded in 1636 and long referenced as the best university in the world, it should be no surprise that Harvard’s history department is held to the same standard.
Harvard’s acceptance rate is a low 3.59%. Successful applicants usually have an SAT score ranging from 1410-1510 or an ACT score of between 33-36.
The main goal of Harvard’s history department is to “foster both critical and imaginative thinking.” Harvard gives students the option to major in history as a primary concentration or secondary field, offering unique concentrations in topics such as Ancient History (Greek and Roman), East Asian History, and Near Eastern History.
To supplement their learning, history majors will also have access to the iconic Houghton Library, which houses many historical artifacts that you can’t find anywhere else.
When it comes to faculty, Harvard History professors are considered the best of the best. Many have received prestigious fellowships, such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and the American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship.
At any given time, there are only 150-200 undergraduate history majors at the school, so if you are one of the select few that gets accepted, consider yourself fortunate. With this said, getting into Harvard as a history major can be highly competitive–so make sure you prepare!
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Tuition: $60,156
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
You may recognize the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a state-of-the-art science, technology, and mathematics college, but don’t be fooled—it is also home to an exceptional history program. You’ll need an SAT score of 1520-1580 or an ACT score of between 34-35 to make MIT’s low acceptance rate of 4.52%.
MIT’s history program aims to “bring together outstanding scholarship, teaching, and public engagement.” Through this, they deliver a diverse history curriculum and encourage students to think critically about the past to shape a better future.
You can study anything from geographical history to economics and technology historical study.
MIT offers both an undergraduate and a graduate history program. For those that favor a more collaborative study, the graduate program combines History, Technology Society, and Anthropology learnings in its unique History, Anthropology, and Science and Technology Doctoral program (otherwise known as the HASTS program).
Since its founding in 1861, MIT has had a long time to perfect its undergraduate and graduate experience for history majors, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to pursue historical studies.
If you’re considering majoring in history, look no further than Yale. Founded in 1701, it’s the third oldest school in the US. History was first taught at Yale in the 1760s, with the first faculty of history being introduced in 1919. That’s a lot of time to perfect a curriculum, which could explain why history is still such a popular undergraduate major here.
To be accepted into the prestigious Yale University, you will need an SAT score of 1370 to 1590 or an ACT score of between 31 and 36. The acceptance rate is 3.73%, making getting into Yale challenging for some students.
Yale offers an undergraduate major program and a graduate program for those who want to further their studies in history.
Yale gives you the option to explore their undergraduate history major in different ways–offering the curriculum in two tracks:
For those who wish to further their historical studies, Yale offers two graduate programs—one in History and the other in History of Science and Medicine. Whatever program you choose, you can be sure to receive a stellar education taught by a Pulitzer Prize-winning faculty.
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Tuition: $62,484
Location: Stanford, California
While Stanford is recognized for its contributions to science and mathematics, its faculty of history is also one to boast about.
Founded in 1885 by California Senator Leland Stanford and his wife, the goal of Stanford was to “promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization,” while providing an exceptional education for students. These principles still ring true today.
To become a Stanford student, you must aim for an SAT score of 1500 to 1570 or an ACT score of between 34 and 36. The acceptance rate is 3.91% making it yet another challenging program to get into.
The curriculum follows an innovative, research-based approach history majors can choose a major in subjects such as:
For students looking for the next step in their history studies, there is an option to enroll in a Coterminal Master’s while completing an undergraduate history major. Students can apply in their junior year, but most end up applying in their senior year and finish off the graduate portion of their degree in their fifth year.
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Tuition: $65,619
Location: Chicago, Illinois
The University of Chicago is a fantastic choice for a history major. Established in 1890, it has a dedicated history department that prides itself in offering and developing research in over 30 fields of the subject.
Even though UChicago is one of the only non-Ivy league schools to make this list, it is still a challenge to be accepted. To become a U of Chicago student, you will need to score 1510 to 1560 on the SAT or a 33 to 35 on the ACT.
The undergraduate major program at UChicago consists of three different unique pathways to learning:
UChicago also offers a graduate program in history. The curriculum consists of a mix of interdisciplinary workshops pioneered by the school in 1982 and conferences, which are sure to promote intellectual dialogue in small, intimate groups.
With a well-recognized faculty that consistently makes appearances and references in media, op-eds, and more, history students at UChicago will surely have a unique and specialized learning experience.
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Tuition: $66,104
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Did you know that the driving force behind UPenn was none other than Benjamin Franklin? First established in 1740, it comes as no shock that the Ivy League school with an iconic, elaborate history boasts one of the best history major programs in the country.
Admission to the University of Pennsylvania requires an SAT score between 1480 and 1570 or an ACT score of between 33 and 36. UPenn, true to its Ivy League reputation, has an acceptance rate of 5.80%.
The History major at UPenn continues to be among the most popular choices for undergraduate students. Students majoring in history at UPenn will be required to take courses about geographic distribution, and chronological distribution, and at least two upper-level seminars, with the option of choosing a specialization.
Undergraduate majors also have a mandatory research requirement, where students draft a paper that analyzes and interprets their research.
Undergraduate students are also highly encouraged to take their history studies to the next level with programs that allow them to study abroad. With an amazing opportunity like that, it’s no wonder that history is one of the largest majors on campus.
UPenn also offers a graduate program that comes with a specific pedigree. It was the first program to offer a PhD in History, which was granted in 1891. The program prides itself in being small and selective, prioritizing close mentorship and strong working relationships between professors and students.
If UPenn is your dream school, make sure you know what it takes to receive an acceptance and make your dreams a reality.
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Tuition: $68,230
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Enrolling in Brown University's history program is an exceptional choice for aspiring historians and individuals passionate about understanding the complexities of our past.
Brown University stands out for its innovation in intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration. The undergraduate history program at Brown offers a blend of academic rigor and flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and engage in cutting-edge research. For students wanting more, they also offer a graduate history program.
Brown University upholds its distinguished reputation by requiring students to have an SAT score between 1470-1550 and a 4.1 GPA.
With an institution known for its expertise in various historical fields, students receive personalized attention and mentorship from leading professionals. Furthermore, Brown's location in historic Providence, Rhode Island, provides invaluable access to archives, museums, and cultural resources, enriching the learning experience.
Whether you aspire to become a historian, educator, researcher, or pursue a career in other fields, Brown's history program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and a global perspective that will serve as a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.
Acceptance Rate: 9%
Tuition: $58,128
Location: Houston, Texas
Rice University's history program offers a compelling academic journey that combines intellectual rigor with a vibrant and supportive learning environment. Rice's history program stands out for its distinguished faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply committed to fostering students' critical thinking, research skills, and historical inquiry.
Admission to Rice University requires an SAT score between 1500 and 1560 as well as a minimum GPA of 4.12.
With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and meaningful engagement with their professors, facilitating mentorship and collaboration.
Furthermore, the program's interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore connections between history and other fields, providing them with a wide range of courses to develop into future career opportunities, including academia, research, law, public policy, and more.
Choosing Rice University's history program means immersing oneself in a dynamic academic community dedicated to shaping the historians and critical thinkers of tomorrow.
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Tuition: $65,082
Location: Washington, DC
Georgetown University's history program is an exceptional choice for those who seek an intellectually stimulating and globally-focused academic experience.
Georgetown's history department boasts expertise in integral historical periods and regions, which promotes an accessible learning environment for any student. As an ambitious school, Georgetown University carries a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to explore the complexities of history from a multitude of different perspectives.
Admission to Georgetown University highly suggests an SAT score of at least 1410 as well as a GPA of 4.01 or higher.
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Georgetown provides access to world-class libraries, museums, archives, and government institutions, allowing students to engage with primary sources and unique historical resources.
Beyond the classroom, Georgetown's commitment to social justice and public service aligns with the program's emphasis on historical context and societal change, preparing graduates to excel in careers spanning diplomacy, advocacy, education, and more.
By choosing Georgetown University's history program, you'll be enrolled in a top-of-the-line undergraduate or graduate program that equips you with the tools to understand, analyze, and shape the course of history on a global scale.
For more information about each school, make sure to tour their campus if possible!
To fully equip yourself with the necessary skills to succeed as a history major, here is a list of the best history courses and programs in the US for the year 2024:
While each college has a unique history curriculum that sets it apart from others, the best colleges for history majors are Princeton University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Many of these schools are ranked highly due to their Ivy League status.
Many history graduates agree that a history degree is worth it. A history major will help you acquire a variety of transferable skills within and beyond the field.
While pursuing a history major doesn’t come without hard work, it can truly be one of the most rewarding college majors to choose.
Every school offers a unique curriculum with different course options, but if you decide to major in history, you can expect to take classes with subjects about:
To understand how we can create a solid and promising future, we must first look to the past to understand change critically. This is why history remains to be such an essential field of study that colleges hold in such high regard.
When selecting a college, it’s important to remember that just because a school is ranked high due to its “prestige,” doesn’t always mean it’s the right fit for everyone. The best fit for you depends on where your passions and unique interests lie!
Choosing the best colleges for history majors can be challenging, but with the information laid out above, you should be able to decide on the one that is the best fit for you!
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