Why “Best Value” Matters in History & Literature

Rising tuition costs (i.e., tuition inflation) are a real concern for many families. For 2026-2027, the projected average tuition increase is 3.25% (EDI). As such, there’s an increasing demand for affordable humanities pathways.

But it isn’t only cost that matters – value matters, too. The term “value” is the combo of cost, outcomes, faculty strength, and career flexibility.

Why consider best value history degrees – and literature degrees, too – in the first place? History and literature majors remain relevant in 2026 because of their soft skills. Research, writing, communications, and analytical skills are foremost.

So, in this guide, we’ll cover universities that offer affordable literature degrees and history degrees.

Related:

• Top Public University Degrees in the Arts and Humanities
• Top Affordable Degrees in the Arts and Humanities
• Best Value Humanities Degrees with High Earning Potential
• Top Online Degrees with High Earning Potential

What Makes a History or Literature Degree a “Best Value”?

Here are the factors that, when combined, contribute to a degree being the best value.

Tuition Affordability (Public vs. Private)

Public universities usually offer the cheapest history bachelor’s programs. This is because public institutions offer:

• In-state tuition
• Extensive financial aid

But it’s also crucial to account for hidden fees, textbook costs, and other indirect costs. Consider potential savings from online courses, too.

Career Versatility

Graduates can establish successful careers in diverse sectors like:

• Education
• Communications
• Writing
• Policy
• Analysis
• Museums

Accreditation & Program Reputation

Regional accreditation is a must for broad industry and employer recognition of degrees. Reputation is vital, too, especially for honors colleges and research centers. The quality, breadth, and depth of archival collections also add value.

Online vs. On-Campus Value

Both accredited online and on-campus programs are a solid choice. But if you’re looking for more flexibility and affordability, go for online programs. You’ll spend less on indirect costs, particularly housing and commuting costs.

Best Value History Degrees (Top Picks for 2026)

These universities offer the best value history degrees based on the above combination.

1. University of Florida – B.A. in History

UF offers the advantage of in-state affordability at $6,381/year tuition and fees. Gators choose from many low-cost humanities degrees, including history.

The standout features of its B.A. in History program include:

• Professional faculty and strong research environment
• Extensive archival resources
• Competitive internship opportunities
• Pathways into education, policy, and publishing
• Excellent return on investment for in-state students

2. University of North Carolina at Greensboro – B.A. in History

UNC Greensboro offers inexpensive liberal arts degrees, too. In-state tuition and fees are $7,731/year.

Its B.A. in History program is known for:

• Strong digital history initiatives
• Industry-relevant internships
• Great career value

3. University of Texas at El Paso – B.A. in History

UTEP is recognized among the top public universities for history because of its:

• Affordable tuition and fees ($8,508/year in-state)
• Excellent borderlands/history of the Americas specialties
• Professional internships
• High career value for students interested in border studies

4. California State University System (CSULB, Chico, Fullerton) – B.A. in History

The CSU System is among the most affordable public systems nationwide. In-state tuition varies slightly between campuses ($7,000-$8,900/year).

The CSU System’s B.A. in History programs’ standout features include:

• Strong museum opportunities
• Career-focused internships
• Excellent career value for students interested in hands-on roles

5. University of Nebraska Omaha – B.A. in History (Online Option)

UNO offers a highly-ranked online program with budget-friendly tuition. UNO charges $8,718/year in average tuition.

Among its B.A. in History standout features are:

• Strong emphasis on global perspectives
• Access to professional internships
• Flexible pathways to education, government, research, and public history roles

Best Value Literature & English Degrees (Top Picks for 2026)

Here’s our list of the best colleges for literature majors and English majors.

1. Florida State University – B.A. in English/Literature

FSU offers a nationally recognized creative writing program. Students and alumni of its B.A. in English/Literature program agree that it offers great value, too.

• In-state tuition and fees are $6,517/year.
• Offers concentrations in Creative Writing, Media and Culture, and Literature.
• Strong faculty expertise, competitive internships, and diverse career pathways.

2. University of Central Florida – B.A. in English

UCF offers among the best value English and literature programs because it:

• Has low tuition ($6,368/year in-state) and financial aid options
• Provides strong online offerings
• Offers concentrations in Literature, Creative Writing, and Technical Communication
• Has an extensive alumni network

3. University of Utah – B.A. in English

U of U has a high academic reputation for the cost. In-state students pay $10,848/year in average tuition and fees. The cost is justified because it’s the B.A. in English program:

• Has a broad curriculum that includes creative writing, literature, and rhetoric
• Offers sought-after internship opportunities
• Provides students with ample research and writing opportunities

4. CUNY System — English & Literature Majors

The CUNY System offers among the most affordable humanities majors in the US. Tuition and fees vary between campuses but range from $7,000 to $8,000/year (in-state).

Many campuses offer concentrations in creative writing, education, and literary studies. Students have access to the best internship and networking opportunities. Publishing and media internships are popular.

5. University of Southern Mississippi – B.A. in English

USM is known for its low costs, too – in-state tuition and fees are $9,998/year. Financial aid further reduces the cost.

Students develop their skills via a robust literary journal and a writing center. USM also offers strong student support and job placement services.

The B.A. in English program offers electives in creating writing, literature, and more. Graduates establish successful careers in education, publishing, and digital media.

Cost Breakdown: History vs. Literature Degrees

A history and literature degree cost comparison is vital for an informed decision.

Tuition Comparison Chart

Category	Average Tuition and Fees Range	Notes
Public in-state, on-campus program	$9,000 – $12,000+	Most affordable pathway for residents
Public out-of-state, on-campus program	$23,000 – $27,000+	Non-residents usually pay higher rates
Private nonprofit, on-campus program	$35,000 – $55,000+	Wide variation in costs. Financial aid available

Online programs tend to be more affordable than on-campus programs. Students pay less in tuition and fees since on-campus services aren’t included in the bill. Plus, students spend less on room and board and commuting costs.

Best value options under $10,000-$15,000/year are also available. Many state universities offer them, so check them out first.

Additional Costs to Consider

Consider additional costs, including:

• Books and materials costs are often higher in humanities programs. Consider buying used books, renting books, and sharing resources.
• Study-abroad programs increase the total cost.
• Internships can be paid or unpaid.

Career Outcomes for History & Literature Majors

Contrary to popular opinion, history and literature majors have strong career prospects. Their transferable skills are in high demand across diverse industries.

Jobs With Strong Value & Growth

These are among the best roles for history and literature majors.

• Education support
• Archival/museum 
• Publishing and editing 
• Communications, marketing, and policy
• UX writing/content strategy

Salary Ranges (BLS 2024–2026)

• Writers and Authors: $73,150
• Historians: $76,200
• Museum Technicians: $52,000
• Postsecondary education: $83,980
• Marketing and communications: $70,300

Why Skills Matter More Than Major

Employers look for practical and versatile skills, not for degree titles per se. History and literature majors bring skills in:

• Research
• Critical writing
• Digital literacy
• Project management

As such, you’ll find the degree relevant even in STEM industries.

How to Choose the Most Affordable History or Literature Program

Here are the steps you can take to make an informed choice, cost-wise.

Evaluate Total Cost of Attendance (TCOA)

• Compare the direct and indirect costs across universities.
• Be aware of hidden costs.

Look for Accelerated or Online Options

• Both options can result in reduced costs (i.e., shorter completion time).
• But compare costs and other features among options, nonetheless.

Consider Internships, Archives, and Faculty Strength

• Prioritize programs with strong student support and career services.
• Look at the faculty credentials.
• Consider the strength of the internship program and archives.

Use Transfer Credits & Prior Learning (PLA) to Reduce Cost

• Submit your college transcripts and/or JST/CCAF for evaluation.
• Work with a transfer counselor to expedite the transfer credits process.

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Humanities Students

• Use scholarship databases to search for external scholarships and grants.
• Explore institutional financial aid.
• File your FAFSA every year.

National Humanities Scholarships

• Phi Alpha Theta (History)
• Sigma Tau Delta (English)
• Humanities-focused nonprofit awards

Institutional Scholarships

• Honors college awards
• Transfer scholarships
• First-gen student grants

Federal and State Aid

• Pell Grants
• SEOG grants
• Work-study

Final Recommendation: Who Should Choose History vs. Literature?

History programs emphasize research, critical analysis, and reasoning skills. Literature programs focus on critical writing and storytelling skills.

So, if you’re interested in research, policy, or archival work, go for history. Choose literature if you’re interested in publishing, writing, and creative careers.

You should also choose based on cost, career goals, and academic strengths. History is ideal for analytical and investigative skills. Literature is best for writing and textual analysis.

Conclusion

Humanities degrees remain high-value credentials in 2026. To make the right decision, it’s important to compare programs and their costs and career outcomes.