Cheapest History Colleges in West Virginia

Marshall University leads West Virginia's most affordable History programs at just $8,327 net cost, while American Public University System graduates earn $43,798 annually despite similar pricing. The $13,685 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects the state's mix of accessible public universities and smaller private colleges. West Virginia's rich coal mining heritage and Civil War battlefields create natural career paths for History majors in museums, historic preservation, and cultural tourism. Public institutions dominate the affordable options, with six schools under $13,000 net cost.

Programs

$8,327 – $22,012

Net Price Range

$25,148

Avg. Program Earnings

44.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 History Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Marshall University Huntington, West Virginia	$8,327	$8,942	48.7%	96.9%
2	Fairmont State University Fairmont, West Virginia	$9,055	$8,454	48.3%	98.5%
3	American Public University System Charles Town, West Virginia	$9,104	$8,400	53.2%
4	Concord University Athens, West Virginia	$9,983	$9,700	42.3%	91.4%
5	West Virginia State University Institute, West Virginia	$10,191	$9,049	33.5%	96.2%
6	Shepherd University Shepherdstown, West Virginia	$12,391	$8,642	49.5%	95.9%
7	West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia	$12,997	$9,648	61.2%	88.4%
8	Bethany College Bethany, West Virginia	$15,306	$34,816	46.3%	64.9%
9	Glenville State University Glenville, West Virginia	$16,358	$9,412	35.5%
10	West Virginia Wesleyan College Buckhannon, West Virginia	$18,148	$33,494	49.5%	96.4%
11	Wheeling University Wheeling, West Virginia	$19,040	$29,475	32.0%	72.7%
12	Davis & Elkins College Elkins, West Virginia	$19,428	$31,270	36.6%	75.3%
13	University of Charleston Charleston, West Virginia	$22,012	$32,842	46.3%	67.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes American Public University System stand out for History majors?

Despite costing only $9,104 net, graduates earn $43,798 annually, more than double the earnings at other affordable programs. The online university serves military and working professionals, contributing to higher post-graduation salaries.

How much can students save by choosing public over private History programs?

The average net cost difference exceeds $7,000 annually, with public schools averaging around $11,000 compared to private institutions near $19,000. Marshall University at $8,327 costs less than half of most private options.

Is West Virginia University worth the higher cost among public schools?

At $12,997 net cost, WVU charges about $4,000 more than Marshall but delivers a 61.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than other affordable options. Graduates also earn $26,063, among the top earnings for public programs.

Where do graduation rates fall short at the most affordable schools?

West Virginia State University graduates only 33.5% of students despite costing just $10,191 net. Several schools under $17,000 show graduation rates below 50%, suggesting affordability comes with completion risks.

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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.