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Cheapest History Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Holy Family University offers Pennsylvania's most affordable History program at $12,251 net cost, undercutting even public options by thousands. This private Catholic institution in Philadelphia provides access to one of the nation's major historical centers while maintaining costs below the state's public university average. Pennsylvania's rich colonial and industrial heritage creates unique opportunities for History majors, with institutions like the National Constitution Center and numerous historical societies offering internships and career paths. The state's $12,251 to $21,664 cost range reveals dramatic price variations, with Swarthmore College commanding $18,686 despite its elite status and 94.10% graduation rate. Public universities like Lincoln University ($12,912) and East Stroudsburg ($15,089) provide solid alternatives. Pennsylvania's economy, anchored by healthcare giants like UPMC and tech companies, increasingly values the analytical and research skills that History programs develop. The PA State Grant program helps residents manage costs across these 20 programs, making quality historical education accessible whether students choose urban Philadelphia campuses or rural settings.
50
Programs
$12,251 – $28,329
Net Price Range
$27,432
Avg. Program Earnings
61.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
3 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
4 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
5 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
6 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
7 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
8 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
9 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
10 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
11 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
12 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
13 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
14 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
15 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
16 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
17 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
18 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
19 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
20 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
21 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
22 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
23 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
24 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
25 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
26 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
27 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
28 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
29 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
30 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
31 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
32 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
33 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
34 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
35 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
36 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
37 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
38 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
39 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
40 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
41 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
42 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
43 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
44 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
45 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
46 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
47 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
48 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
49 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
50 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Holy Family University the cheapest option for History majors?

Holy Family University charges just $12,251 net cost for its History program, beating even public universities in affordability. The private Catholic institution maintains this low cost through significant financial aid, bringing the actual price below Lincoln University's $12,912 public rate. With a 77.44% acceptance rate and 60.40% graduation rate, it provides accessible education in Philadelphia's historically rich environment.

How do public university costs compare across Pennsylvania?

Public universities show remarkable cost variation, from Lincoln University at $12,912 to Slippery Rock at $19,524 net cost. East Stroudsburg offers strong value at $15,089 with $29,685 median earnings, while Indiana University of Pennsylvania costs $17,216 but produces graduates earning $27,476. The University of Pittsburgh campuses range from $17,034 in Greensburg to $18,952 in Johnstown.

Does Swarthmore College justify its premium price for History?

Swarthmore's $18,686 net cost produces strong outcomes with a 94.10% graduation rate, far exceeding other programs in the state. The college accepts only 6.93% of applicants, making it highly selective among Pennsylvania's History options. While expensive compared to public alternatives, its completion rate suggests strong student support and academic rigor.

What career prospects do Pennsylvania History graduates face?

History graduates in Pennsylvania earn between $21,234 and $31,828 median income, with Slippery Rock producing the highest earners at $31,828. The state's healthcare sector, led by UPMC, values research and analytical skills that History majors develop. East Stroudsburg graduates earn $29,685, while York College graduates start at $25,194, reflecting regional economic variations.

Where can students find the best value among mid-range programs?

Westminster College at $20,800 net cost offers excellent value with 65.90% graduation rates and graduates earning $29,461. Saint Francis University charges $19,173 with an impressive 72.80% completion rate, while Lycoming College costs $19,258 for small liberal arts education. These programs balance affordability with strong academic support in Pennsylvania's competitive higher education market.

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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.