The records of time are kept by historians of today in subjects categorized by distinct and competitive professional fields. Researchers, educators, curators, and analysts interpret the past layer by layer, analyzing information and knowledge to shape a successful future for society. An online master’s in history stands as one of the most popular liberal arts degrees offered by today’s accredited universities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6 to 10 percent job growth outlook throughout the next 8 years in careers including archaeology, archiving, anthropology, and analysis. Graduates are prepared to work for not only historical associations, but consulting firms, businesses, government, nonprofits, and more. The median salary for these positions ranged between $48,400 to $62,410 in 2018. While a bachelor’s degree in this field may provide students entry-level jobs, a master’s degree is usually required for most historian positions. Choosing an online master’s in history degree that fits particular academic and professional goals can be the way to apply a passion for research to a connection with the past.
Through a full survey of 36 online master’s in history programs from 29 regionally accredited colleges, GetEducated has formulated this “Best Buy” list for you. Our list reveals the most affordable options in the United States, with a difference in tuition of up to $19,000. By taking time to read this list, students are preparing themselves for a financially beneficial educational experience.
Average Cost (In-state): ~$17,100
Least Expensive: Fort Hays State University ~ $8,632.50
Most Expensive: Norwich University ~ $27,534.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online master’s in history options in the country. The online history degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
16 Most Affordable Online Master’s in History
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $8,632.50 | All Students |
2 | Missouri State University | (MO) | $8,670.00 | All Students |
3 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $10,515.00 | All Students |
4 | Fitchburg State University | (MA) | $11,310.00 | All Students |
5 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $11,700.00 | All Students |
6 | Jacksonville State University | (AL) | $12,000.00 | All Students |
7 | Louisiana Tech University | (LA) | $13,116.00 $22,520.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $13,200.00 | All Students |
9 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,201.00 $19,861.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $13,300.00 $11,800.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
11 | Alcorn State University | (MS) | $13,365.00 | All Students |
12 | Indiana State University | (IN) | $14,377.00 $18,403.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Florida International University | (FL) | $14,781.46 $31,161.46 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
15 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $15,538.50 | All Students |
16 | Jackson State University | (MS) | $16,632.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Massachusetts-Boston | (MA) | $17,550.00 | All Students | |
Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $18,336.00 | All Students | |
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | (PA) | $18,642.00 $20,796.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
 Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $20,841.00 $15,660.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
 Liberty University | (VA) | $21,236.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $21,351.00 | All Students | |
Citadel Military College of South Carolina | (SC) | $21,510.00 | All Students | |
Stockton University | (NJ) | $23,400.00 | All Students | |
Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $25,452.00 $9,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Gratz College | (PA) | $26,433.00 | All Students | |
Union Institute & University (Status pending: not enrolling new students) Master of Arts in History and Culture 14 | (OH) | $27,280.00 | All Students | |
Norwich University | (VT) | $27,534.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note: To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2020 review of regionally accredited online master’s in history programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the Request More Information in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
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