50 Best Colleges for History Major 2024

Best Colleges for History Major

The word “history” refers to the study of past events. It includes everything that has happened to people and societies, from ancient times to the present. History is often divided into periods, such as ancient, medieval, and modern history, to help organize and understand events over time. Historians use various sources to learn about the past, such as written records, artifacts, and oral traditions. They analyze these sources to understand what happened, why it happened, and how it affected people and societies. Studying history helps us understand how past events shape our present and future, and it teaches us about different cultures and perspectives. It is a key subject in education and helps develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Here are the 40 best colleges for studying History in 2024. Best Colleges for History Major listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

50 Best Colleges for History Major

1) Harvard University

  • GPA: 4.0
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 5%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top history-related fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty, extensive archives, and research opportunities.

2) Yale University

  • GPA: 4.0
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become historians, professors, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Rich historical archives and strong research programs.

3) Stanford University

  • GPA: 4.0
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 4%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Top faculty and access to extensive resources.

4) University of Chicago

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1520
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

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5) Princeton University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 5%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

6) Columbia University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top history-related fields.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $70,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Access to extensive archives and research opportunities.

7) University of California, Berkeley

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1430
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become historians, professors, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

8) University of Pennsylvania (Penn)

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Top faculty and access to extensive resources.

9) Duke University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $67,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

10) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

11) University of Michigan

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

12) New York University (NYU)

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1370
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 16%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Access to extensive archives and research opportunities.

13) University of Virginia (UVA)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 24%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

14) Cornell University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $67,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

15) University of Texas at Austin

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 32%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

16) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

17) Northwestern University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $67,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Top faculty and access to extensive resources.

18) University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

19) Brown University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $68,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

20) Georgetown University

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

21) Vanderbilt University

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $67,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Access to extensive archives and research opportunities.

22) Washington University in St. Louis

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $66,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

23) Emory University

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 19%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

Best Colleges for History Major

24) University of Notre Dame

  • GPA: 3.9
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 16%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $67,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Access to extensive archives and research opportunities.

25) University of Southern California (USC)

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 13%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

26) Carnegie Mellon University

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1450
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $66,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

27) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

28) Boston University

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1370
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 19%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $64,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

29) University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

30) University of Washington

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

31) University of Florida

  • GPA: 3.8
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

32) University of Miami

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 33%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $63,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

33) Ohio State University

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

34) Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

35) University of Minnesota

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

36) Indiana University Bloomington

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

37) Michigan State University

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

38) University of Maryland, College Park

  • GPA: 3.7
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $62,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

39) University of Colorado Boulder

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

40) University of Arizona

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

41) Purdue University

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

42) Rutgers University

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

43) University of Pittsburgh

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

44) University of Georgia

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

45) University of Utah

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

46) University of Iowa

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $61,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

47) University of Kansas

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

48) University of Missouri

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in museums, academia, and research.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on research and interdisciplinary studies.

49) University of Oregon

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, recommendation letters.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates become professors, historians, and researchers.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty and extensive historical collections.

50) University of Oklahoma

  • GPA: 3.6
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT scores, strong essays.
  • Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in academia and research institutions.
  • Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
  • Academic Highlights: Strong faculty and rich historical resources.

Best universities for history – Conclusion

Choosing the right college for a history major is very important. Each of these colleges offers strong programs and great opportunities. Graduates have successful careers in many fields. High GPAs and good SAT/ACT scores are needed. Students also need strong essays and recommendation letters. These colleges help students become historians, researchers, and professors. Graduates earn good starting salaries. They work in top institutions and research centers. The right college can set the path for a successful history career.