Skip to main content

Cheapest History Colleges in North Carolina

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

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers the state's most affordable History program at just $6,608 net cost, though its 46.40% graduation rate trails the state average. The pricing market reveals stark contrasts, with public universities like Elizabeth City State charging $7,237 compared to private institutions reaching $18,127. North Carolina's growing Research Triangle and Charlotte banking sectors create opportunities for History graduates, particularly in corporate research, policy analysis, and cultural institutions. UNC Chapel Hill demonstrates that affordability and excellence can coexist, charging $12,983 while maintaining a 92.10% graduation rate and direct pipelines to state government positions. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with eight of the ten cheapest options being state institutions that benefit from North Carolina's strong legislative support for higher education funding.
49
Programs
$6,608 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$30,829
Avg. Program Earnings
53.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

49 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
2 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
3 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
5 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
6 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
7 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
8 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
9 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
10 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
11 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
12 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
13 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
14 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
15 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
16 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
17 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
18 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
19 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
20 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
21 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
22 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
23 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
24 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
25 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
26 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
27 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
28 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
29 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
30 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
31 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
32 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
33 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
34 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
35 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
36 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
37 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
38 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
39 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
40 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
41 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
42 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
43 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
44 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
45 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
46 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
47 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
48 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
49 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap among History graduates in North Carolina?

History graduates from UNC Charlotte earn $33,993 annually while those from UNC Pembroke average $13,702, creating a $20,291 difference. Geographic location plays a major role, with Charlotte's banking sector and the Research Triangle's policy organizations offering higher-paying positions. School reputation and alumni networks also influence outcomes, as UNC Chapel Hill's 17.11% acceptance rate reflects its selectivity and career placement success.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in North Carolina History programs?

The data reveals that higher costs don't guarantee better outcomes, with UNC Chapel Hill achieving 92.10% graduation at $12,983 while private Livingstone College manages only 27.10% at $15,662. Appalachian State demonstrates strong value with 73.10% graduation rates at $16,487. Public universities consistently outperform private institutions in both affordability and completion rates across the state.

Is student debt a significant concern for History majors at affordable North Carolina schools?

Average debt levels range from UNC Chapel Hill's manageable $14,250 to North Carolina Central's concerning $30,747, despite similar net costs. UNC Asheville offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio at $16,313 debt with $25,774 average earnings. Students at the most affordable schools typically graduate with debt levels between $20,000 and $25,000, which remains reasonable for liberal arts graduates.

Does North Carolina's job market support History graduates from budget-friendly programs?

The state's government sector in Raleigh, banking industry in Charlotte, and tourism businesses statewide actively hire History graduates for research, communications, and analysis roles. Museums, historical societies, and cultural organizations throughout the state provide additional career paths. The NC Need-Based Scholarship program helps low-income students access these opportunities without excessive debt burdens.

What makes public universities so dominant among affordable History programs?

Thirteen of the fifteen most affordable programs operate as public institutions, benefiting from state funding that keeps costs low for residents. In-state tuition ranges from just $3,412 at Elizabeth City State to $8,989 at UNC Chapel Hill, while private schools charge significantly more. North Carolina's commitment to accessible higher education has created a strong public system that serves History students effectively across various price points.

More History Rankings

Best Value History in North Carolina History Under $20,000 in North Carolina

Related

All History Programs Best Colleges in North Carolina Best History in North Carolina

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