Cheapest History Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Parkside delivers the state's most affordable History program at just $10,044 net price, creating an unusual opportunity in a field where graduates typically face modest starting salaries. The cost advantage becomes striking when compared to private options like Mount Mary University at $18,295, nearly double the expense. Wisconsin's History graduates earn between $25,194 and $36,141 annually, with UW-River Falls producing the highest earners despite charging only $14,714 net price. The state's rich manufacturing heritage and major employers like Epic Systems create opportunities for History majors in corporate research, documentation, and communications roles. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with 12 of the 15 most cost-effective programs coming from the UW system. Graduation rates vary significantly, from UW-Parkside's 39.80% to UW-Madison's impressive 89.30%, suggesting that cost savings don't always correlate with completion success.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$30,791

Avg. Program Earnings

61.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

28 History Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405	$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
4	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
5	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
7	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
8	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
9	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
10	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
11	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
12	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
13	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
14	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
15	Northland College Ashland, Wisconsin	$20,780	$42,491	43.3%	68.4%
16	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176	$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
17	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
18	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
19	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
20	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
21	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
22	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
23	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563	$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
24	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
25	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
26	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
27	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
28	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Parkside the cheapest History program in the state?

UW-Parkside charges just $10,044 net price with an in-state tuition of $7,855, making it the most affordable option among Wisconsin's History programs. The university maintains a 72.83% acceptance rate, providing accessible entry for most applicants. However, the 39.80% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider support systems and academic preparation before enrolling.

How do public and private History program costs compare in Wisconsin?

Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with all programs under $17,000 coming from the UW system. Private institutions like Mount Mary University charge $18,295 net price, while Northland College reaches $20,780. The cost gap reflects Wisconsin's strong public university investment, with most UW campuses offering History programs between $12,878 and $16,948 net price.

Where do Wisconsin History graduates earn the highest starting salaries?

UW-River Falls History graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $36,141 annually, despite the program costing only $14,714 net price. UW-Madison follows at $35,060 with superior graduation rates of 89.30%. UW-Superior and UW-Whitewater both report $33,993 earnings, showing that several affordable programs produce competitive graduate outcomes.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison worth the higher cost for History majors?

UW-Madison charges $16,928 net price but delivers an strong 89.30% graduation rate compared to other state programs. History graduates earn $35,060 starting salaries and carry lower debt loads of $19,500. The flagship university's academic reputation and alumni network often justify the modest premium over cheaper alternatives like UW-Green Bay at $12,878.

What job opportunities exist for History graduates in Wisconsin's economy?

Wisconsin's major employers like Epic Systems, GE Healthcare, and Kimberly-Clark regularly hire History majors for research, documentation, and corporate communications roles. The state's manufacturing heritage creates demand for industrial historians and archivists. Government positions in Madison and Milwaukee offer additional career paths, with starting salaries ranging from $25,194 to $36,141 across different programs and regions.

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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.