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History Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas delivers the nation's most affordable History degree at just $1,113 net cost, while CUNY Queens College graduates earn $38,289 annually, creating an unusual market where cost and outcomes don't always align. The gap between lowest and highest earnings spans nearly $17,000, with California State schools falling in the middle range despite their proximity to major research institutions and museums. History graduates across these programs typically face $11,490 to $23,250 in debt, though several CUNY schools keep borrowing under $13,000. The Northeast corridor offers particularly strong earning potential for History majors, with federal agencies, think tanks, and cultural institutions providing steady employment for graduates skilled in research and analysis. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, with only Berea College representing private education at $4,483 net cost.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $8,155
Net Price Range
$27,673
Avg. Program Earnings
44.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
5 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
6 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
7 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
8 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
9 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
10 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
11 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
12 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
13 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
14 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
15 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
16 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
17 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
18 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
19 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
20 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
21 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
22 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
23 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
24 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
25 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
26 $6,061 $3,195 29.1% 67.0%
27 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
28 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
29 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
30 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
31 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
32 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
33 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
34 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
35 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
36 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
37 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
38 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
39 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
40 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
41 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
42 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
43 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
44 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
45 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
46 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
47 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
48 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
49 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
50 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M-Central Texas so affordable for History students?

Texas A&M-Central Texas offers the lowest net cost at $1,113, with a 95.71% acceptance rate making admission highly accessible. The university serves the Killeen area, home to Fort Hood military base, creating unique opportunities for History majors interested in military history and veteran services. The extremely low cost reflects strong state funding and targeted aid for Texas residents.

How do CUNY schools compare for History degree value?

CUNY schools dominate the affordable tier with seven institutions under $5,000 net cost. Queens College leads in earnings at $38,289, while Hunter College maintains a 61% graduation rate with just $13,000 average debt. The system's location provides access to top-tier museums, archives, and research facilities throughout New York City.

Is Berea College worth considering despite higher costs?

Berea College charges $4,483 net cost while maintaining a selective 24.58% acceptance rate, unusual among affordable options. The private Kentucky school offers a unique work-study program where all students contribute labor to campus operations. With a 62% graduation rate, it provides more personalized attention than large public universities.

Does location affect earning potential for History graduates?

Geographic patterns show clear earning differences, with California and New York schools producing higher-earning graduates. Cal State Los Angeles graduates average $37,568, while Texas A&M International graduates earn $24,615. Urban locations typically offer more internships at museums, government agencies, and cultural organizations that value History training.

What graduation rates should History students expect at these schools?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 20% at Ohio University-Eastern to 72.1% at CUNY Baruch College. Most schools fall between 46% and 62%, with selective admissions generally correlating with higher completion rates. CUNY schools consistently maintain graduation rates above 49%, despite their affordability and accessibility.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.