Top History Programs in the US: Best Universities, Rankings & Scope

History isn't just about dates and dusty archives—it's the story of who we are, how we got here, and where we're headed. If you are interested in digging up civilizations, examining revolutions, or comprehending cultural evolution, a degree in history can lead you to a rewarding scholarly and professional trajectory. The top history programs in the US for 2025 provide world-class instructors, access to rich archives, and interactive research projects that mold upcoming historians, educators, and policy-makers. Let’s take a closer look at the institutions leading the way.

Best Universities for History in USA: Explore Top-Ranked Institutions

Discover the top colleges for American history that shape future historians and thought leaders.

1. Yale University

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is widely regarded as one of the best universities for history in the USA. With its prestigious faculty, which includes renowned historians like John Gaddis, Paul Kennedy, and Valerie Hansen, Yale offers a world-class academic experience in the field of history. 

Ranked 5th in the U.S. News & World Report for Best National Universities, Yale is an Ivy League institution known for its rigorous programs and distinguished research. The university's history department provides students with a challenging and enriching environment, fostering deep scholarly engagement with the past. 

Yale has an acceptance rate of just 4.4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. To gain admission, applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores, along with compelling letters of recommendation and a personal essay. The cost of attending Yale’s School of History is approximately USD 59,950 per year, reflecting the caliber of faculty and resources available to students. 

Check out the top Yale University scholarships in 2025!

2. Cornell University

Cornell University, situated in Ithaca, New York, is renowned as one of the top spots for PhD studies in History in the USA. The university offers a comprehensive and highly specialized history program, with an annual cost of approximately USD 62,250. 

Cornell, with a highly competitive acceptance rate of around 7%, is globally recognized for its unique approach to historical studies, providing specialized courses in fields such as Hellenic studies, Latin American history, and more.

The university's history department is deeply committed to producing future scholars and professionals, with alumni making significant contributions in Congress, intelligence agencies, journalism, and major historical institutions. 

Cornell's history program is known for its academic rigor and its emphasis on producing well-rounded historians with expertise in various historical disciplines. 

3. Stanford University

Stanford University, located in Stanford, California, is a premier choice for students pursuing a PhD in History in the USA, with a tuition fee of approximately USD 61,699 annually. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, Stanford integrates its History Department with top-ranked area studies programs, including African and African American studies and international relations, making it a standout among U.S. history programs, especially for international students. 

The university's history department offers a rich academic environment that blends traditional historical studies with global and contemporary perspectives, with Stanford’s acceptance rate standing at a highly selective 3.9%. 

As a leading institution for history majors in the U.S., Stanford produces graduates who go on to excel in prestigious organizations such as the Hoover Institution and the Council on Foreign Relations. 

4. Harvard University

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is undeniably one of the best universities for history in the USA, with a tuition fee of approximately USD 55,587. Known for its globally recognized academic excellence, Harvard boasts a distinguished history, faculty, and a rich legacy of shaping world leaders across various fields. 

Harvard's history department is renowned for producing scholars who have made significant contributions to the academic world, politics, journalism, and beyond, with an exceptionally competitive acceptance rate of around 3.4%.

Check out student housing near Harvard University!

5. The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago, located in Chicago, Illinois, is consistently ranked among the best universities for history in the USA, with a tuition fee of approximately USD 63,556. UChicago’s history program produces top-tier PhD scholars and renowned faculty worldwide, with a selective 5.4% acceptance rate.

The university's commitment to scholarly excellence and its emphasis on critical thinking make it an ideal environment for both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a BA in History in the USA or an MA in History in the USA. 

Check out off-campus housing near the University of Chicago!

6. Columbia University

Columbia University, located in the heart of New York City, is one of the best grad schools for history in the USA, with a tuition fee of USD 63,530. Offering both undergraduate and graduate programs, Columbia consistently ranks among the nation’s top history schools, with a highly selective acceptance rate of around 3.7%. Its US history programs are particularly attractive to international students, providing rich cultural exposure, extensive research opportunities, and specialized courses in fields like American political history, global history, and Middle Eastern studies.

Check out off-campus student housing near Columbia University!

Ready to take the next step in your college journey? Dive into our complete guide on college applications in 2025 to make your application stand out!

Eligibility Criteria for Top History Programs in the US

Here’s what you need to know—especially for US history programs for international students:

• Strong academic background with a focus on humanities or history, and a competitive GPA—essential for both undergraduate and graduate history programs.
• Standardized test scores such as SAT/ACT for undergrad and GRE for graduate studies (though some schools have test-optional policies).
• TOEFL scores are mandatory for US history programs for international students.
• IELTS scores are also required for admission to US history programs for international students.
• Application materials, like letters of recommendation, personal statements, and a writing sample (especially for MA or PhD applicants).
• Financial proof and visa documentation for international students, along with meeting university-specific deadlines and application fee requirements.

Top History Programs in the US Scholarships

There are several scholarships like amberscholar that are available for students pursuing history degrees in the US, including those enrolled in prestigious Ivy League history programs. These financial aids help ease the burden of high tuition fees and support talented scholars in their academic journey. Many universities offer departmental fellowships, merit-based awards, and research grants specifically for history majors.