History in Massachusetts 2026

Best Colleges for History in Massachusetts 2026

History programs in Massachusetts 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 52 colleges and universities in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

Detailed School Profiles

1. Harvard University

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 3.7%
• In-State Tuition: $61,676 | Out-of-State: $61,676
• Enrollment: 7,601 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Graduation Rate: 98% | Median Earnings (6yr): $70,300
• Average Financial Aid: $53,545

View full Harvard University profile →

2. Boston University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 11.1%
• In-State Tuition: $68,102 | Out-of-State: $68,102
• Enrollment: 18,248 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Earnings (6yr): $49,200
• Average Financial Aid: $41,036

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3. Brandeis University

Location: Waltham, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 40.5%
• In-State Tuition: $68,080 | Out-of-State: $68,080
• Enrollment: 3,618 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,700
• Average Financial Aid: $31,085

View full Brandeis University profile →

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 4.6%
• In-State Tuition: $62,396 | Out-of-State: $62,396
• Enrollment: 4,535 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
• Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Earnings (6yr): $82,200
• Average Financial Aid: $48,459

View full Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) profile →

5. Northeastern University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 5.2%
• In-State Tuition: $66,162 | Out-of-State: $66,162
• Enrollment: 1,802 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Earnings (6yr): $54,400
• Average Financial Aid: $33,662

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6. Williams College

Location: Williamstown, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 8.3%
• In-State Tuition: $68,560 | Out-of-State: $68,560
• Enrollment: 2,076 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
• Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Earnings (6yr): $42,600
• Average Financial Aid: $51,671

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7. Amherst College

Location: Amherst, Massachusetts • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• In-State Tuition: $70,480 | Out-of-State: $70,480
• Enrollment: 1,911 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,100
• Average Financial Aid: $52,025

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8. Tufts University

Location: Medford, Massachusetts • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 11.5%
• In-State Tuition: $70,704 | Out-of-State: $70,704
• Enrollment: 7,061 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Earnings (6yr): $51,200
• Average Financial Aid: $43,744

View full Tufts University profile →

9. Wellesley College

Location: Wellesley, Massachusetts • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 14.1%
• In-State Tuition: $67,176 | Out-of-State: $67,176
• Enrollment: 2,300 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
• Average Financial Aid: $48,208

View full Wellesley College profile →

10. Boston College (BC)

Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 16.4%
• In-State Tuition: $70,702 | Out-of-State: $70,702
• Enrollment: 10,085 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Earnings (6yr): $57,000
• Average Financial Aid: $44,021

View full Boston College (BC) profile →

How to Choose the Right History Program in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top History programs in Massachusetts include Harvard University, Boston University, and Brandeis University.

How much does a History degree cost in Massachusetts?
In-state tuition for History programs in Massachusetts averages around $67,403 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 Massachusetts school?
Graduates from Massachusetts'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.