2026 How Much Does a History Degree Program Cost? Tuition, Fees & Total Expense Breakdown

Accurately estimating the full cost of history degree programs requires a clear understanding of all major expenses beyond tuition. Prospective students should consider each component carefully to plan their finances effectively.

• Tuition: This covers class attendance costs. Public in-state universities typically charge between $10,000 and $12,000 per year, while out-of-state or private institutions may exceed $25,000 annually according to NCES data.
• Mandatory fees: These institutional charges include student activity, library, technology, and occasionally lab fees. History degrees generally lack expensive lab fees, but tech fees averaging about $500 annually are common due to online course requirements.
• Books and supplies: Students spend approximately $700 to $1,200 yearly on textbooks, primary sources, and other materials essential for coursework as estimated by the College Board.
• Technology requirements: Reliable computers, software, and internet access are necessary. Upfront costs usually range from $800 to $1,500 depending on individual needs.
• Living expenses: Housing, food, transportation, and personal costs vary significantly by location but often exceed $12,000 per year in many college towns and metropolitan areas.

Considering the full cost of history degree programs also helps students weigh the value of their investment compared to opportunities like top paying certifications that may require less time or expense.

The average total cost of a history degree program ranges from approximately $25,000 to $100,000, depending on several variables. This cost includes tuition, mandatory fees, supplies such as books, and living expenses, which collectively impact the overall financial commitment required. Understanding the 2026 tuition and fees for a history degree in the US is essential for prospective students to effectively plan their academic budgets and manage debt.

Public four-year institutions typically charge between $25,000 and $40,000 for in-state students, while out-of-state and private university students may face costs rising to $60,000-$100,000. Key factors influencing expenses include institution type (public vs. private), program format (traditional or online options), and regional cost differences caused by living expenses.

Online programs often reduce tuition costs, though technology fees and material costs should be considered. For those interested in more flexible options, exploring online open college enrollment may provide alternatives. Additional variables, such as urban versus rural school locations, also contribute to variations in total cost.

Mandatory fees are separate from tuition and represent charges required by universities to cover various campus services and resources essential for students enrolled in history programs. These fees contribute to the operational costs that tuition alone does not address. Below is a summary of common mandatory fees students can expect for a history degree.

• Technology fees: Typically between $100 and $500 per semester, these fees support campus-wide software licensing, online course platforms, and maintenance of computer labs critical for research-intensive history courses.
• Student services fees: Usually ranging from $200 to $400 per term, these fees fund valuable campus resources such as counseling, career services, and student organizations, enhancing the academic community experience.
• Campus facilities fees: Averaging $150 to $300 per semester, these charges cover upkeep and access to libraries, lecture halls, and designated study spaces important for history students.
• Assessment or testing fees: Some history programs require specific exams or placement tests, with fees generally below $100.

Unlike STEM disciplines, history programs rarely impose lab or clinical fees, though some schools may assess nominal charges for access to special collections or archival materials. Given these components, the mandatory history degree fees landscape reflects institutional priorities that impact overall education costs. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that average mandatory fees at public four-year institutions were around $1,200 annually in 2024, a stable estimate likely to continue in the near future.

These history program compulsory charges should be factored into budgeting for the total cost of attendance, as they can add several hundred dollars annually beyond tuition. For students exploring affordable options, reviewing the most affordable phd programs can provide additional financial insights.

Breakdown of Private Fully Online Nonprofit Schools

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

Designed by

Students pursuing a history major generally face few additional fees beyond tuition and standard university charges. These extra costs tend to be minimal compared to programs in fields like science or engineering. Below is a list of common additional fees that history students may encounter during their studies.

• Textbooks and Source Materials: Expenses for required books and primary documents typically range from $500 to $1,200 annually, reflecting the reliance on printed and digital research materials.
• Fieldwork and Practicum Fees: Some courses involving archival visits or museum internships may require fees between $100 and $400 per assignment to cover travel or administrative costs.
• Digital Archive Access: Occasional charges of $50 to $200 yearly may apply for subscriptions to specialized online databases and archives necessary for research.
• Project Supplies: Minor costs, usually under $100, might arise for materials used in presentations or creative assignments.
• Certification Preparation: In programs that include teacher licensure pathways, students may incur variable fees for examination or certification preparation, depending on state and institutional requirements.

These fees are generally predictable, making history degree programs more affordable relative to many other disciplines.

Accounting for the cost of required supplies and equipment is essential for accurately estimating the total expenses of a history degree. These costs primarily involve textbooks, research resources, and occasional software or archival fees.

Below are typical items and their associated expenses:

• Textbooks: Core reading materials for history courses usually cost between $120 and $250 per semester, depending on edition and format.
• Archival access fees: Some research projects require payment for official archives or document digitization, generally ranging from $20 to $100 each.
• Database subscriptions: Access to specialized academic databases like JSTOR or ProQuest may cost approximately $50 to $100 annually if not provided by the institution.
• Citation management software: Tools such as EndNote or Zotero assist with organizing sources, often available free or at minimal cost.

Overall, these non-tuition expenses average between $300 and $600 per year but can fluctuate based on research intensity and available school resources.

Living, food, and travel costs form a significant portion of the total expenses for students pursuing a history degree, with considerable variability due to geographic location and individual lifestyle choices. These factors can substantially influence a student's budget beyond tuition fees, requiring careful planning to manage effectively.

The following list outlines typical costs history students might encounter, with emphasis on key expense categories and variables affecting each.

• Housing: Whether living on campus or renting off campus, costs can range widely. Meal plans included with campus housing often total $3,000 to $5,000 annually, while off-campus rent varies between $600 and $1,200 monthly depending on the city and amenities.
• Utilities and Internet: Essential services usually add $100 to $200 per month, an important consideration for students living independently.
• Food: Expenses depend on dining choices, with self-catering budgets typically between $2,000 and $3,000 yearly, allowing some flexibility for cost-conscious students.
• Local Transportation: Commuting costs may fluctuate based on distance and mode of transport, affecting daily budget needs.
• Travel for Academic and Personal Reasons: Study abroad programs and trips to historic sites often add $1,000 or more annually, plus domestic travel expenses such as visits home during holidays.

History degree programs do not universally mandate internships or residencies, though many offer them as optional or recommended experiences to complement academic study. When internships are required, placements typically occur in museums, archives, historical societies, or research centers, allowing students to gain practical skills beyond coursework.

Residencies, less common in history, are usually found in niche areas like public history or museum studies. These experiential components can increase the overall cost of the program, depending on whether they are paid or unpaid and the specific requirements involved.

Additional expenses associated with internships or residencies often include travel to and from work sites, temporary housing if relocation is necessary, specialized materials or technology, and mandatory insurance or background check fees. For instance, living costs during an off-campus internship, especially in urban areas, may range from $800 to $1,500 per month. Students should review program details carefully and consult advisors early to identify potential financial aid, stipends, or budget strategies to manage these extra costs effectively.

Students enrolled in history degree programs can generally switch between part-time and full-time status, though this depends on each institution's policies. The process typically requires submitting a formal request or filling out a change-of-enrollment form that needs approval from an academic advisor or registrar.

Before making a switch, students should weigh important considerations such as academic performance requirements, how a status change might affect financial aid eligibility, and the impact on course scheduling. These factors ensure that the change aligns with their educational and personal goals.

Common requirements include maintaining a satisfactory GPA and consulting with advisors to confirm course availability. Financial aid is often contingent on full-time enrollment, so moving to part-time status could reduce or eliminate access to scholarships and grants.

Part-time students might face fewer course options each semester, possibly leading to lengthier degree completion times. Conversely, full-time students usually graduate faster but must manage a heavier course load. Careful planning is essential to navigate these restrictions and timelines effectively.

Deciding between full-time and part-time enrollment for a history degree significantly impacts financial planning. Knowing how each option affects tuition, fees, and overall costs is essential for making an informed choice.

Below is a detailed comparison highlighting the main financial differences between these two enrollment formats for history degree tuition comparison.

Full-Time History Programs

• Tuition per Credit: Full-time students typically enroll in 12 to 15 credit hours per semester and often benefit from a lower per-credit tuition rate than part-time students, which can range from $300 to $600 depending on the institution and location.
• Total Program Cost: Though semester tuition fees are higher due to larger credit loads, the overall program length is shorter, reducing cumulative tuition expenses compared to part-time enrollment.
• Mandatory Fees: Fees for technology, registration, and student services are charged per semester. These costs are spread across more credits, effectively lowering the cost per credit for full-time learners.
• Supply and Equipment Costs: History program expenses for specialized books and archival access are generally minimal but consistent for all students regardless of full- or part-time status.
• Living and Travel Expenses: These costs are concentrated over a shorter period since full-time study typically lasts fewer semesters, minimizing total living expenses during the degree program.

Part-Time History Programs

• Tuition per Credit: Part-time students usually take 6 to 9 credits per semester and often face a slightly higher tuition rate per credit, increasing the cost of individual courses.
• Total Program Cost: Extended program duration due to fewer credits per semester results in more semesters paying tuition and mandatory fees, which can raise overall expenses beyond full-time totals.
• Mandatory Fees: These fees apply each semester regardless of credit load, so paying them across more semesters elevates the cumulative fee expenses for part-time students.
• Supply and Equipment Costs: Similar to full-time students, costs are minimal and related mainly to materials like specialized history books or archival access.
• Living and Travel Expenses: Since the program extends over a longer period, living and travel costs accumulate, adding to the total financial commitment for part-time learners.

When examining full-time vs part-time history degree cost, prospective students should also consider options for a cheap online college that might offer flexible tuition rates and reduce living expenses through remote study.

When planning for a history degree program, students should be aware of various hidden fees that can substantially increase the total cost beyond just tuition and mandatory charges. These unexpected costs can affect budgeting and financial preparedness.

Below is a list of common hidden fees students often encounter in history degree programs:

• Late registration fees: Charged if students miss course sign-up deadlines, these fees can range from $50 to over $200 per incident, adding surprise expenses.
• Library and printing fees: Many universities impose charges for printing assignments and accessing special library resources, which can total $100 or more per semester, especially for research-intensive history courses.
• Consumable materials fees: Though history is not typically lab-intensive, some courses require archival access or special collection materials, leading to small but necessary fees.
• Exam or certification fees: Advanced courses may require standardized tests or certifications, sometimes costing several hundred dollars and increasing program expenses.
• Parking and transportation fees: Students commuting to campus often face parking permit costs between $150 and $400 annually, alongside transportation expenses.

These ancillary costs largely stem from institutional policies rather than academic requirements, highlighting their role in the unexpected costs of history degree programs. According to the College Board's 2024 data, these fees can raise the overall cost by 10-15%, underscoring the importance of budgeting beyond tuition alone.

For those considering cost-effective study options, exploring a bachelor's degree online cheap might be a practical alternative to mitigate some of these additional expenses.

• History Programs Abroad: Degrees & Opportunities - AEC https://www.aecoverseas.com/history/
• Tuition fees and financial support https://www.uu.nl/en/masters/history-and-philosophy-science/tuition-fees-and-financial-support
• Online Degree vs. Traditional | University of Arkansas Grantham https://www.uagrantham.edu/blog/pros-cons-online-degree-vs-traditional-university/
• E-Education vs Traditional and Distance Learning: A Cost Comparison - Distance Learning Institute https://distancelearning.institute/economic-perspective/e-education-vs-traditional-distance-learning-cost-comparison/
• Most Affordable Online Bachelor's In History https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-history/
• Living expenses | https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/student-experience/living-expenses