Online History Degree Programs Costs: Tuition & Fees for 2026

The average total cost for an online History bachelor's degree in the U.S. in 2025 is about $46,400, with annual expenses near $11,600 over four years. Tuition fees range widely, from budget-friendly programs priced around $16,740 total, or roughly $4,185 per year, to high-end options reaching up to $88,800, equivalent to $22,200 annually. Mid-tier examples include Arizona State University at $19,282 per year and University of Arizona with a total tuition near $33,273.

Costs differ significantly depending on the degree level and institution type. Online master's degrees in History tend to be more affordable, averaging around $6,900 for the entire program, with prices starting as low as $1,950 and generally staying below $10,000. Public universities often offer lower tuition, especially with in-state rates, while private schools typically charge more. These variations emphasize the importance of researching each program's specifics before deciding.

When compared to other online humanities and social sciences, History degrees generally maintain competitive pricing. Graduate History programs frequently offer more economical tuition than many related disciplines, making them an attractive choice for students seeking cost-effective options without sacrificing academic quality. The figures mainly represent total program costs rather than per-credit fees.

Tuition for an online History degree generally encompasses all essential courses required for graduation. This includes both core subjects and electives, ensuring comprehensive academic coverage.

Students can expect instruction from qualified professors, engagement in online discussions, and access to digital platforms hosting course content and assignments. Additional services are often built into the cost to support learners throughout their studies.

• Core and elective courses: Full access to required classes covering general education and history topics.
• Faculty instruction and interaction: Teaching by certified instructors and participation in virtual class forums.
• Academic support services: Resources like online tutoring, library access, tech assistance, and sometimes career counseling included with tuition.
• Technology fees: Charges for online platforms, software, and digital tools may be incorporated or billed separately.
• Digital research resources: Access to electronic archives and e-journals essential for history research, varying by institution.

Some expenses often fall outside tuition coverage. These typically include required textbooks, materials, remote exam proctoring fees, graduation application charges, and optional campus activities or recreation fees. Prospective students should factor in these additional costs, especially for specialized books or research tools that may not be provided.

Understanding the costs involved in earning an online History degree is essential for prospective students to budget effectively and choose a program that aligns with both their financial and academic goals. Various elements contribute to the overall price tag beyond just tuition fees.

• Type of School: Public universities often offer lower online history degree tuition rates, particularly for in-state residents, while private institutions generally have higher costs. However, some public colleges charge flat rates regardless of residency, and private schools might provide financial aid that offsets expenses.
• Residency Status: Cost factors for online history programs include differences in tuition for in-state versus out-of-state students. Some programs make access easier by applying uniform tuition rates nationwide, eliminating the residency premium.
• Credit-Hour Requirements and Program Length: Most bachelor's degrees in history take about four years full-time, but accelerated or part-time formats exist. Transfer credits can shorten program length and reduce total costs, affecting tuition and fees accordingly.
• Technology and Online Fees: Online students should factor in additional expenses such as technology fees, course materials, and sometimes proctoring or software charges. These fees vary widely and can accumulate over semesters.
• Student Support Services and Faculty Credentials: Programs with extensive student support, including tutoring and career counseling, might carry higher fees but can improve outcomes. Institutions with renowned faculty or strong reputations may charge premium tuition that reflects enhanced instruction and networking opportunities.

When considering programs, also look at school reputation and graduate outcomes; highly ranked online history degrees often cost more but offer better career prospects, especially in fields like education, research, or museum work. For those weighing career paths, examining the fastest growing college majors may provide insight into related opportunities and market demands.

Deciding between an online and traditional History degree often comes down to cost and convenience. Many students want clear data on the cost comparison online vs traditional history degree programs before committing to a path.

Online History degree programs are generally cheaper than traditional on-campus options in the United States. The average tuition online history degree United States data indicates an annual cost around $24,912, which totals just under $100,000 over four years. By contrast, on-campus programs typically cost about $33,640 annually, or roughly $135,000 for four years. This significant difference mainly arises from lower campus-related fees, such as housing and meal plans, which online students usually avoid.

Additional savings come from reduced commuting and relocation expenses. Although online programs may include technology fees, they tend to be less costly than the infrastructure upkeep required for physical campuses. The curriculum for History degrees remains largely consistent across formats, so these price differences reflect structural cost disparities rather than differences in academic quality. For those exploring educational options, examining easiest associate degrees can also provide helpful context in planning affordable pathways.

Tuition fees for online History degree programs in the U.S. can vary greatly depending on whether a student is considered in-state or out-of-state. Many public universities still differentiate tuition costs based on residency status, which can lead to significant cost differences for online learners.

For instance, some schools maintain separate tuition rates similar to their on-campus policies, with in-state students paying substantially less than out-of-state students. Tennessee State University charges about $8,568 annually for residents and $22,284 for nonresidents but offers a discounted rate for those studying exclusively online. However, an increasing number of public institutions use flat-rate tuition systems, applying the same charges to all online students regardless of their home state. Oregon State University exemplifies this approach by having a uniform per-credit fee for its online History courses.

Exceptions to these patterns include regional tuition agreements like the Western Undergraduate Exchange, where students from nearby states can access reduced tuition. Additionally, private colleges often set a single tuition rate for all online students, with residency having little impact on overall cost. It is important to review each school's specific policies when planning for an online History degree.

Finding the most affordable online History degree programs 2025 can help students reduce financial burdens while pursuing higher education. Online pathways offer flexibility and often lower costs, making them an attractive option for many prospective students. These options provide accredited degrees without sacrificing quality or accessibility.

Here are some of the cheapest accredited online history degrees in the US that combine affordability with educational value:

• Fayetteville State University: Offers the most affordable online bachelor's degree in History with an annual tuition of $2,500. The program features flat-rate tuition, which helps students plan their expenses clearly and avoid unexpected cost increases during their studies.
• Sterling College (KS): Features an annual tuition rate of $4,350. Sterling's Bachelor of Arts in History stands out with a total program cost of approximately $16,740 over four years, equating to about $2,000 per semester. This program consistently ranks among the lowest in tuition for history degrees.
• Clayton State University (GA): Charges $5,220 annually and offers a cost-effective route with valuable access to state archives and career preparation resources for history students.

Many of these colleges reduce expenses further through online formats, discounted campus fees, and flexible transfer credit policies that can shorten time to graduation. Students interested in graduate study options might also explore alternatives like an online PhD no dissertation, which can offer advanced pathways without the traditional thesis requirements.

Online history degrees vary widely in tuition, with some programs commanding particularly high prices due to their academic reputation, faculty expertise, and student resources. The most expensive online history degree programs in the US often reflect these factors in their cost.

For students evaluating the highest tuition online history bachelor's programs, notable examples include:

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: This institution charges out-of-state students about $37,161 per year for its online bachelor's in history. The elevated tuition aligns with its strong research reputation, experienced faculty, and comprehensive support services.
• Liberty University: A private, religious university with an annual tuition near $12,000 for its online history bachelor's program. The cost reflects its robust curriculum and a teaching model emphasizing close faculty-student interaction.
• Southwestern Assemblies of God University: Both in-state and out-of-state online history students pay around $20,496 annually. The program's premium price is tied to specialized faculty and a faith-based academic environment.

While these schools stand out for tuition, they also provide advanced curricula and enhanced learning resources tailored to online history majors. Prospective students seeking affordable options may also explore schools that accept pell grants to find financial assistance opportunities suited to various needs.

Graduates with an online history degree often face a lengthy period before seeing financial benefits from their education. On average, it takes about 23 years for them to recoup their investment, considering typical tuition costs and salary levels in the field.

This extended timeframe largely stems from the modest starting median salary of approximately $52,934 and the overall educational expenses, which can total around $243,252. Many history graduates enter careers in education, public service, or museums, where salary growth tends to be slow and competition for jobs is strong. Additionally, advancing in these roles often requires further education, such as a master's or PhD, which can increase earnings by roughly 36%, but also increases debt and delays full-time workforce participation.

Factors like student loan amounts, the decision to pursue graduate studies, and individual career choices greatly influence how soon graduates recover their costs. Some may improve their return by moving into higher-paying sectors linked to history, such as law or public policy. Ultimately, the time it takes to achieve positive returns varies widely based on financial commitments, career paths, and market changes.

Online History students are generally eligible for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs, as long as their online program is accredited and meets federal requirements. Most accredited online History bachelor's degrees make students eligible for the same aid as their on-campus peers. This accessibility ensures that students pursuing these degrees have various funding avenues to help manage tuition and related costs.

Among the options for funding your education, there are several not only federally supported but also state and institutional resources. To maximize potential support, students should familiarize themselves with the types of scholarships for online history majors, which can vary widely by institution and region. Students pursuing degrees online should also consider exploring employer tuition assistance when relevant to their current roles.

• Pell Grants: These need-based grants do not require repayment and can cover several thousand dollars annually for undergraduate students, subject to eligibility as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• State grants: Available in many states, these grants often depend on residency and financial need, providing significant aid for qualified students attending accredited online History programs.
• Institutional scholarships and external awards: Scholarships specifically targeting online History majors or students in online programs may be merit- or need-based. External scholarships from historical societies or nonprofit organizations typically offer awards ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Eligibility for federal financial aid for online history degree students depends on factors such as U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, enrollment in an accredited program, and satisfactory academic progress. Additionally, students should verify their program's aid availability beforehand, as it can vary by school and state.

For those balancing work and studies, employer tuition assistance programs can reimburse tuition costs when the degree relates to one's job. Understanding how to combine these resources is key to managing education expenses effectively. Some students may also want to explore related trade jobs that pay well as potential alternatives or complements to their academic pursuits.

Choosing to pursue an online degree in History offers flexibility and access to a variety of programs across the United States. Understanding the cost involved is crucial for prospective students evaluating their options.

Tuition for online History degrees varies widely depending on the institution's type and reputation. Public universities often provide more affordable rates, especially for in-state learners, while private universities generally charge higher tuition fees. Over recent years, many schools have adjusted their pricing structures, balancing competitive tuition with increasing demand for remote learning options.

Looking ahead, tuition rates for online History programs are expected to experience moderate growth due to inflation and ongoing investment in digital infrastructure. Financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance can help mitigate these costs. Prospective students should carefully compare program quality alongside tuition fees to ensure a worthwhile educational investment.

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