Ever dreamed of walking through the same halls as the nation’s founders or spending afternoons in centuries-old libraries? These five colleges offer world-class programs, incredible resources, and campus settings that will transport any history lover back in time.
Harvard University — Cambridge, Massachusetts
Home to one of the oldest history departments in the country (completed in 1915), Harvard offers students access to amazing resources and buildings, including the Widener Library’s 57 miles of shelf space. From colonial American history to ancient civilizations, the depth of courses and renowned faculty make this a dream school for serious historians.
2. University of Oxford — Oxford, England
Founded around the 12th century, Oxford is history in itself. The Bodleian Library, centuries-old colleges, and tutorial-style teaching give students an immersive experience that blends rigorous study with a living connection to the past.
3. College of William & Mary — Williamsburg, Virginia
As the second-oldest college in the United States, William & Mary is steeped in colonial American heritage. Located just steps from Colonial Williamsburg, it offers hands-on opportunities to study the nation’s formative years right where they happened.
4. University of Chicago — Chicago, Illinois
Known for its intellectual rigor, the University of Chicago’s history program spans every era and region of the world. Its proximity to world-class museums like the Field Museum and the Chicago History Museum means history buffs can step off campus and straight into research opportunities.
5. Sorbonne University — Paris, France
For those drawn to European history, the Sorbonne’s legacy dates back to the 13th century. Studying here means not only learning from leading scholars but also living among Paris’s storied architecture, monuments, and archives.