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Cheapest History Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas delivers the nation's most affordable History degree at just $1,113 net cost, making quality education accessible in a state where historical preservation and museum work generate thousands of jobs annually. The price gap between public and private options reaches extreme levels, with Berea College charging $4,483 despite its work-study model. CUNY schools dominate the affordable market, placing seven programs under $4,000 while serving New York's massive cultural sector that employs over 300,000 workers across museums, archives, and historical sites. Earnings vary dramatically from $21,964 at Cal State Dominguez Hills to $38,289 at CUNY Queens College, reflecting regional job markets and program focus. Texas and California schools show particularly low costs due to state funding models, while New York programs balance affordability with access to premier research collections and internship opportunities at institutions like the Metropolitan Museum and New York Historical Society.
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?

The university offers the lowest net cost at $1,113 through generous state funding and need-based aid. Texas residents benefit from in-state tuition of just $6,627, significantly below the national average. The school maintains a 95.71% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. Military families receive additional benefits given the campus's proximity to Fort Hood.

How do CUNY History programs compare in terms of value?

Seven CUNY schools rank among the most affordable, with net costs ranging from $2,446 at Hunter to $4,734 at York College. CUNY Queens College graduates earn $38,289 annually, the highest among affordable programs. Graduation rates vary from 30.3% at York to 72.1% at Baruch, reflecting different student populations and support systems. All CUNY programs offer access to New York's rich historical resources.

Does Berea College's work-study model justify its higher cost?

Berea charges $4,483 net cost despite a $49,326 sticker price through its unique no-tuition policy requiring student work. The 62% graduation rate exceeds most schools on this list, though earnings average $24,035. Only 24.58% of applicants gain admission, making it highly selective. Students graduate with practical work experience alongside their History degrees.

Where do California State University History graduates find employment?

Cal State LA graduates earn $37,568 annually, reflecting Southern California's strong entertainment and cultural industries. The region employs thousands in film historical consulting, museum curation, and archival work. Cal State Dominguez Hills shows lower earnings at $21,964, partly due to its location and student demographics. Both schools maintain affordable costs under $4,200 net annually.

What factors explain the wide earnings range among affordable programs?

Graduate earnings span from $21,964 to $38,289, largely reflecting regional job markets and alumni networks. New York programs typically show higher earnings due to competitive cultural sector salaries. Texas and California programs vary based on local industry presence and graduate school preparation. Debt levels remain manageable, ranging from $11,490 to $23,250 across reporting schools.

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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.