History in California 2026

Best Colleges for History in California 2026

History programs in California cultivate research, analysis, and writing skills that transfer to careers in law, policy, journalism, education, and museum curation. Top programs offer archival access and faculty-led research.

We analyzed 170 colleges and universities in California offering History programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top History Programs in California

Detailed School Profiles

1. University of San Diego (USD)

Location: San Diego, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 52.4%
• In-State Tuition: $59,486 | Out-of-State: $59,486
• Enrollment: 5,671 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Earnings (6yr): $50,100
• Average Financial Aid: $28,994

View full University of San Diego (USD) profile →

2. California Institute of Technology

Location: Pasadena, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 2.6%
• In-State Tuition: $65,898 | Out-of-State: $65,898
• Enrollment: 987 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
• Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Earnings (6yr): $54,500
• Average Financial Aid: $42,540

View full California Institute of Technology profile →

3. Stanford University

Location: Stanford, California • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 3.6%
• In-State Tuition: $65,910 | Out-of-State: $65,910
• Enrollment: 7,554 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
• Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Earnings (6yr): $70,400
• Average Financial Aid: $51,838

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4. Pomona College

Location: Claremont, California • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 7.1%
• In-State Tuition: $65,420 | Out-of-State: $65,420
• Enrollment: 1,666 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,100
• Average Financial Aid: $52,716

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5. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Location: Los Angeles, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• In-State Tuition: $15,203 | Out-of-State: $49,403
• Enrollment: 33,475 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,500
• Average Financial Aid: $19,744

View full University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) profile →

6. Claremont McKenna College (CMC)

Location: Claremont, California • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 9.6%
• In-State Tuition: $67,980 | Out-of-State: $67,980
• Enrollment: 1,388 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Earnings (6yr): $55,900
• Average Financial Aid: $45,233

View full Claremont McKenna College (CMC) profile →

7. University of Southern California (USC)

Location: Los Angeles, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
• In-State Tuition: $72,097 | Out-of-State: $72,097
• Enrollment: 20,443 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Earnings (6yr): $53,800
• Average Financial Aid: $35,953

View full University of Southern California (USC) profile →

8. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Location: Berkeley, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• In-State Tuition: $16,347 | Out-of-State: $50,547
• Enrollment: 33,068 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Earnings (6yr): $48,700
• Average Financial Aid: $18,735

View full University of California, Berkeley (UCB) profile →

9. Pitzer College

Location: Claremont, California • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 25.2%
• In-State Tuition: $65,192 | Out-of-State: $65,192
• Enrollment: 1,227 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 83% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,900
• Average Financial Aid: $40,487

View full Pitzer College profile →

10. University of California San Diego (UCSD)

Location: La Jolla, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 26.7%
• In-State Tuition: $16,758 | Out-of-State: $50,958
• Enrollment: 34,948 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $43,400
• Average Financial Aid: $19,393

View full University of California San Diego (UCSD) profile →

How to Choose the Right History Program in California

Selecting the best History program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for California residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to History.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top History programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for History in California?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top History programs in California include University of San Diego (USD), California Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.

How much does a History degree cost in California?
In-state tuition for History programs in California averages around $51,029 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a History degree from a California school?
Graduates from California's History programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.