<p>My dau is majoring in an aspect of history at a great LAC and couldn’t be more satisfied with the academic quality and the contact with profs.
Yes, look at the actual course offerings- see how they interest you. Also check, as mentioned, the professors’ backgrounds and research interests. Also, though your focus is US, see who’s got the great study abroad programs and who offers corresponding finaid for these. </p>
<p>And, yes, what really matters is the strength of the grad program. Good luck.</p>