2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in History
Choosing the cheapest online history master's degree can help you advance your education in a flexible format without incurring heavy debt. Our rankings below include accredited schools with tuition under $10,000.
We also feature insights from a historian, who co-directs the online MA history program at Arizona State University Online. She offers valuable perspectives on the field. We then take a deeper dive into the schools on our list, highlighting key data points.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Budget: Fitchburg State offers the lowest tuition at just $1,950.
- Best for Earnings: APU System leads in graduate pay, with history master’s alumni earning a median $58,867 (top 19% nationally in the field).
- Best for Online Scale: ASU UUÖ±²¥ enrolls 16,309 online graduate students.
We manually calculate and verify all tuition data. To learn more, visit our full methodology page, or explore our list of the best online history master’s programs based on salary outcomes.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in History
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg (MA) | $1,950 | |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa (TX) | $4,123 | |
| Nelson University | Waxahachie (TX) | $5,550 | |
| Missouri State University | Springfield (MO) | $5,910 | |
| Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg (KS) | $6,090 | |
| Adams State University | Alamosa (CO) | $6,660 | |
| William Carey University | Hattiesburg (MS) | $7,125 | |
| Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis | Indianapolis (IN) | $7,350 | |
| University of Louisiana - Monroe | Monroe (LA) | $7,500 | |
| American Public University System | Charles Town (WV) | $8,190 | |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania | Slippery Rock (PA) | $8,520 | |
| Jackson State University | Jackson (MS) | $8,748 | |
| SUNY College at Cortland | Cortland (NY) | $8,757 | |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston (IL) | $8,812 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $9,075 |
Inside the Program: Historian Weighs In on Online MA in History
Historian, PhD
What are the most compelling reasons to pursue a master’s in history, especially an affordable online program?
An online, affordable program is, first and foremost, about accessibility. Rather than uproot your life to move to a new city for a graduate degree, we believe students are better served by staying and contributing to their local communities. The online, asynchronous format also allows students to access materials and participate in learning activities on their schedule, accommodating different learning paces, work commitments, and life responsibilities.
For students who don't want to teach, what are some lesser-known career paths where a master’s in history can provide value?
History students can add value to almost any industry. The key is finding a job you’re interested in and carefully crafting a resume that shows how your experience translates to the desired skillset. So, for example, a history degree can transfer to marketing (you’re narrating a story with quantitative data), and historians constantly analyze data and tell stories.
Historians can also find rewarding opportunities in operations or project management. Experiences often dismissed as "dreaded group work" can, in fact, showcase valuable skills such as leadership, task delegation, and managing tight deadlines.
But one of my favorites? Working for a luxury travel agency. Luxury travelers seek more than just an itinerary. They want meaningful, enriching experiences. Historians can curate itineraries that highlight under-the-radar cultural sites or traditions, even more so if you’ve acquired a second language on your journey.
History students can add value to almost any industry.
How should students evaluate whether a low-cost online program is still academically strong?
There are several factors to look at.
First, who is teaching the classes? At ASU Online, our MA classes are taught primarily by full-time faculty members who live and work in Tempe, Arizona.
Second, what is the final outcome of the program? At ASU, online MA students and many in-person MA students complete a Capstone portfolio. The portfolio requires students to polish and revise research and historiography essays. In addition, they’ll prepare a resume and an oral defense video. These pieces serve as a culminating experience demonstrating the student’s mastery of specific skills and growth throughout the program.
Are there particular specializations (e.g., public history, military history, American history) that you think offer strong ROI for today’s job market?
ASU just launched two brand-new certificate programs in the Fall of 2024. We now offer a certificate and a certificate. Also, the Public History certificate can be completed alongside the History MA without additional coursework.
Our Public History certificate also includes an internship requirement that helps students gain real-world experience.
How can students in online history programs make the most of their experience without access to an on-campus community?
The history department has several scholarships and funding opportunities for students who want to present their research at conferences. Finding a local or subfield conference and applying to attend is a great idea. Accepted students can then request financial support to travel and present their work.
The history department even offers several exciting hybrid components. For example, during students can create a poster based on their research and present it as much as they would at a conference. We support students with the design and printing of the posters. Also, in 2024, we launched the primarily for online students. This is a hybrid experience where online students travel to Scotland for three weeks to work alongside ASU faculty and staff in the archives. The goal is to help students develop archival research experience and a successful project.
EXPERT TIP
Faculty mentorship is critical. All students in the program have a designated faculty advisor who serves as the student’s first point of contact for questions about enrollment, coursework, communication, letters of recommendation, research, and preparing for the Capstone. I constantly tell students to schedule a meeting with their advisor because that’s why we’re here — to work with students and guide them on their journey.
A Closer Look at Affordable Online History Master's Degrees
If you're considering an online master’s in history, affordability is likely a top concern, but it shouldn’t be the only one. Our curated list of 15 of the most affordable programs reveals that while tuition ranges widely — from just $1,950 at Fitchburg State to $9,075 at Arizona State — with the average affordable online master's hovering around $6,900.
But price alone doesn’t tell the full story. Online history master’s programs vary significantly in structure, flexibility, and outcomes. Some focus on content area mastery for educators, while others offer specialized tracks in Public History, Military History, or even World War II studies. And because many online students are working professionals or career changers, factors like asynchronous delivery, faculty support, retention rates, and graduate earnings matter deeply.
That’s why we don’t stop at cost. This analysis highlights student outcomes — like median earnings after graduation, proprietary Salary Score percentiles, and recommendation rates — to help you gauge long-term value. We also consider online infrastructure, program flexibility, and academic specialization.
In short, we’re here to help you find the online master’s in history that offers not just a low price tag, but a smart return on investment.
What Makes a History Master’s Program a Smart Investment?
Price doesn’t define value, especially in a field like history, where career paths can vary widely and salaries are often modest. That’s where return on investment (ROI) becomes essential to calculate and understand.
We analyzed not just what these programs cost, but how well they pay off. Schools like American Public University System (APUS), for instance, report median earnings of $58,867 among master's in history graduates, which places it in the top 19% of similar programs nationwide.
Arizona State comes in at the 49th percentile, falling right in the middle, with a median salary of $50,892 among history master's graduates. Others like Slippery Rock and IU-PUI hover around $45,000. It's modest, but still solid, especially when paired with low tuitions and strong student satisfactions.
What Student Satisfaction Reveals About the Value of an Online History Master’s
One of the clearest indicators of a program’s overall quality is whether students would recommend the school to others. At OnlineU, we’ve collected more than 85,000 verified student reviews to date to help provide you with firsthand insight into what it’s really like to attend these institutions.
These recommendation rates offer a window into trust, satisfaction, and perceived value. And in the context of online master’s in history programs, where students often study remotely while balancing work, teaching, or family commitments, this kind of peer endorsement matters even more.
Out of the 15 schools on our list, 12 report verified student recommendation rates, and the overall picture is overwhelmingly positive. The average recommendation rate across these schools is ~86%, signaling strong student satisfaction.
Half of the schools (6 out of 12) scored above 85%, which is a remarkable benchmark for student satisfaction. These high performers include standouts like Adams State University, which earned a perfect 100% recommendation rate, and Fitchburg State and IU-PUI, both at an impressive 95%.
Half of the schools (6 out of 12) scored above 85%, which is a remarkable benchmark for student satisfaction.
At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest recommendation rate came from APUS at 68%. However, it's important to note that this is still a majority! This figure suggests a slightly more mixed student experience and underscores the importance of considering multiple data points.
Unique Program Features: Where the Differences Really Show
When choosing a program, it helps to consider how well a school’s curriculum and structure align with your career path or interests. Here are some that stand out:
FSU: Offers innovative podcast-based learning and niche history courses (e.g., Irish Resistance, U.S. Women's Rights).
ASU Online: Runs the only fully online World War II Studies MA in partnership with the National WWII Museum.
PSU: Offers in-state tuition to all and boasts a publication rate over 60% before graduation.
SUNY Cortland: Prioritizes pedagogy with a course on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, perfect for educators.
Nelson University: Integrates faith-based learning with fieldwork, internships, and flexible degree tracks.
Meanwhile, ULM’s military history track and ²Ñ³§±«â€™s versatility for teaching, journalism, and government roles show that programs can (and should) serve varied professional goals.
Final Takeaways: Affordability and Smart Career Moves
Online master’s in history programs offer a rare combination of flexibility, academic rigor, and affordability—and the schools on our list make it possible to pursue graduate study without financial strain. With tuition as low as $1,950 and most programs well under $9,000, the upfront cost is far below the national average for graduate education.
But cost alone doesn’t equal value. Our analysis shows that many of these programs also deliver on student satisfaction and long-term ROI. More than half of the schools with verified data boast recommendation rates above 85%, a strong signal that students feel supported, engaged, and confident in their degree path. And while history may not be the highest-earning discipline, several programs, like APUS and ASU, report median salaries that place graduates among the top ranks nationwide in this field.
Ultimately, the cheapest online history master's degrees combine low tuition with career relevance, academic support, and flexible delivery formats. If you're seeking a degree that respects both your time and your budget, this list offers a smart place to start.
FAQs About Affordable Online Master's in History Programs
What Can You Expect From an Online Master's in History Program?
The best online master's in history degree will give students a strong foundation in the academic study of the past across a range of different historical periods and themes. Most programs have students choose a specialization to focus on, such as U.S. history, ancient history, medieval history, world history, military history, public history for students who want to work in museums and archives, or education for students who want to become teachers.
History programs teach students how to conduct historical research and how to look at past events through different theoretical frameworks, such as economic history, political history, or gender history. Some common classes for history majors include American history, world history, historiography or historical writing, digital history, and comparative research. Students might also have to conduct original research, create a thesis or final project, or finish their program with a comprehensive exam.
Most online master's degrees in history take between one and two years to finish when enrolled full-time. Students who enroll part-time will take longer to finish their degree, although how long it will take them depends on how many classes they're able to take at a time.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in History?
Students applying to a master's program will need a bachelor's degree, and may need to meet specific GPA requirements depending on the program. Students will also need to submit transcripts as part of their application. Other common requirements include a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation from previous teachers, colleagues, or employers, a resume, and GRE or GMAT scores.
How To Pay for an Online Master's in History?
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a degree program is how much it's going to cost and whether it will be worth the investment. It can be difficult to get a clear picture of how much your degree will cost until you apply for financial aid. Most students use some kind of financial aid to pay for college, whether it's through scholarships, grants, student loans, or work-study funding.
By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you'll find out what kind of financial aid you qualify for at each school you want to attend. This can help you weigh your options and get a better idea of how much your degree will cost.
There are a few different types of aid students use to pay for college. As a graduate student, you might qualify for grants, scholarships, or fellowships from the schools you apply to. These three types of funding are gift aid that don't need to be paid back. You might also qualify for an assistantship, where you work part-time for your school in exchange for tuition discounts or a stipend.
Many students also use loans to pay for school. Federal loans are usually a better option than private loans because they offer benefits such as fixed interest rates and better repayment plan options. Graduate students typically qualify for unsubsidized loans or grad PLUS loans from the federal government. Both types of loans accrue interest while students are enrolled, but unsubsidized loans typically offer lower interest rates and a lower origination fee.
Students can use our Guide to Student Loan Debt to make financially informed decisions about how to pay for college.
As a master's student, you may qualify for scholarships from your school which they will likely award you when you fill out the FAFSA. However, sometimes schools offer additional scholarships and fellowships you need to apply for separately. Once you've applied for all the scholarships available from your college, you can look for others available through nonprofit organizations, trade associations, businesses, and other groups.
Many employers offer a tuition benefit to help their employees cover the cost of college. This is especially true for online degrees — some of the largest online schools, including Capella University and the University of Phoenix, partner with major companies across the U.S. to offer lower-cost degree programs for employees. Employers that will help pay for a master's degree include Target, Chipotle, Discover, and Geico.
What Can You Do With An Online Master's in History Degree?
A master's in history can open the door to careers in education, academia, research, public administration, and other fields. Some of the more traditional career paths for history majors include jobs as historians, archivists, political scientists, and professors at community colleges. However, careers in management, law, business, and education are also common for , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
BLS data also shows that the median salary for a history degree holder is $65,000. Some specific careers that are common for history majors include , which make a median salary of $57,100. Another potential career choice is a , which earns a median wage of $139,380. Students who pursue a doctorate after their master's can also qualify for careers in academia and research, including teaching at the university level.
It's important to keep in mind that first-year salaries vary widely depending on where students go to college, where they live, and what type of job they pursue after graduation. Students can maximize their investment in higher education by attending affordable online colleges, keeping debt low and saving money in college.
How To Choose an Online History Degree?
When choosing an online college, students should consider their area of interest, costs, school reputation, and alumni earnings. Begin by identifying schools that offer the desired program, such as a master's in European or U.S. history, and ensure they are accredited, which indicates adherence to academic quality standards. Additionally, use student reviews and connect with alumni to gauge the program's quality and graduates' satisfaction. Finally, evaluate tuition costs, financial aid options, and potential alumni salaries to make an informed decision.
Is an Online Master's in History Cheaper?
Yes, most online programs are cheaper than their on-campus counterparts. However, this depends on the school. On our list above, we show the cheapest schools for online history majors, with costs ranging from ~$3,400 to $9,600.
In fact, many online colleges are known for keeping costs low for students who want to save money on their degree. However, it can be harder to get financial aid for online programs, and some schools even charge more for their online degrees. Choosing a school that offers affordable tuition rates can help you save on your education. Online students can also save money because they don't have to move to go to school and can live in a more affordable area. They also save on transportation to and from school.
Is an Online History Degree Worth the Cost?
The value of an online history degree depends on its cost, whether you plan to work while studying, and your post-graduation job prospects. Generally, individuals with master's degrees earn higher salaries and face lower unemployment rates than those with less education. According to data from , history graduates tend to earn less initially but achieve higher salaries later in their careers compared to other majors. This trend may be because history majors often pursue advanced degrees and enter high-paying fields such as law or academia, as noted by the BLS.
Evaluating potential earnings after graduation is crucial but only part of the equation. The time and financial investment required to obtain a master's degree also influence its worth. Students can maximize their degree's financial value by minimizing costs, such as choosing affordable colleges. Online programs further help by allowing students to work while studying, thus maintaining their income.
While a master's in history can lead to lucrative careers, there isn't a straightforward path to high-paying, in-demand jobs as there is with STEM degrees. Ultimately, the financial value of a history degree largely depends on how you leverage it in your career.
Student Reviews of Online History Programs
Excellent initial instruction. Incisive and historically based under luminaries such as Robert Citano. These first 12 hours are followed deviation into "memory, memorials and monuments," less than compelling "electives" and revisions of papers that were irrelevant the first time they were assigned and remain so thereafter. The second half of the program is supervised by junior professors who lack compassion and substantive ability to motivate. I deeply regret my decision to attend this school.
Review Date: 8/4/2022
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
GCU's Master's degree in History with an emphasis on Education program is an excellent program for any K-12 social studies teacher or anyone that has a passion for history and education. The curriculum is challenging but well worth the experience. I am starting my Ed.D program in K-12 Leadership soon and am excited to get started.
Review Date: 2/15/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I got my Master of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education from GCU in 2021. I’m a teacher and they pay teachers with a Master’s more than those with a Bachelor’s, so I decided to go ahead with this option. Since there is no thesis in this Master’s, it would not be a good option for those who want to pursue a PhD in History. The vast majority of teachers get their Master’s in Education, but I dislike and don’t respect education classes, so I didn’t want to go overboard with that because I already... Read More
Review Date: 5/29/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I graduated as one of the top students not just my bachelor degree but also my masters. I was told gcu hires to alumni first and we'll here I am 4 years out with thier ba and MA and they still refuse to hire me. I will be telling people to to either apply for school or jobs with them. Never mind I'm alumni and I should be first that they would want to hire.
Review Date: 4/25/2025
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Arizona State University is a fantastic school for online education. It was advertised as rigorous, but that could be an understatement. The workload was high, but the knowledge I acquired was worth the time expanded. Only go with Arizona State if you are looking for a mastery of content, not if you just want a piece of paper.
Review Date: 4/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My M.A. in Museum Studies at Johns Hopkins University has been a great experience where I have been connecting with amazing professors and peers. The wide range of professionals students work with across the U.S. are incredible resources and the networking opportunities are endless. One of the biggest draws for me to this program, was the online format. I continue to work at the Yale Center for British Art full time, maintain my small business as a freelance Scientific Illustrator, and complete course... Read More
Review Date: 3/29/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a graduate of the Southern New Hampshire University's online program. I was an online grad student there for 3 years studying history. I have read various comments from former teachers, staff, and students. I wanted to write a review for prospective students so that they would get a more even-handed review rather than a one-sided (negative) review from an individual who want to blame their inadequacy or lack of competency on the school or the professors. I can't speak for instructors or staff,... Read More
Review Date: 9/12/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The History graduate school at ASU is academically diverse and allows students to explore the different fields of history while still pursuing their focus (HGIS, World, Public History, etc.). The academic advisors are there to help and provide realistic guidance. I've never been told that finding an academic job in History will be easy -- they are honest before beginning the program that jobs are scarce. Despite that, they are there to provide any and all necessary support.
Review Date: 7/17/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Excellent program. Taking online courses was very beneficial to me I am also working at the same time as taking graduate courses. I wish I had done my bachelor's online. Excellent advisors and very knowledgeable professors. Be sure to take advantage of tutoring options.
Review Date: 4/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The online program at Arizona State University is wonderful. The school has definitely put money into it's online program and offer numerous degrees online. They also offer 24/7 financial aid, as well as 24/7 counseling and tutoring. The staff is very knowledgeable and are quick to respond to student questions and concerns. I would definitely recommend Arizona State University to any student, whether they want to live on campus, commute or online. Go Sun Devils!!!!!
Review Date: 8/24/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I highly recommend University of Memphis' online History MA program to anyone thinking of pursuing that type of degree. The professors are very well-educated and knowledgeable, as well as willing to help out however they can. Although I was an online-only student due to the constant moving caused by my husband's career, I was still able to receive award funding towards my participation in conferences (around $700.00)- UM felt that I could accurately represent the school. I graduate this spring confident... Read More
Review Date: 1/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
At first, I was a little worried about doing my Master's in History online especially since I was a returning student. I had graduated with my Bachelor's in History in 2010 and did not being Sam Houston until 2015. Furthermore, I never had any online classes before. However, the program was easy to become involved in. The professors are helpful and easy to contact; I can definitely say that my writing has also improved as a result of the program. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone... Read More
Review Date: 3/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I applied for and was accepted to Norwich's Military History graduate program. I was impressed by the administrative support received throughout the entire process, from application to graduation. I liked the fact that acceptance was based upon pure merit (writing assessment submission and undergrad transcript) and did not rely on the for-profit GMAT/GRE exams, which are not accurate methods to measure an ability to research and develop theory. Another factor I am impressed with is option to delve... Read More
Review Date: 2/5/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great 10 week online program. You typically have discussion posts Thursdays and Sundays are larger assignments. It is great to have a set structure, the same for every class. In addition, the professors can be very helpful. Your advisor is also very helpful; they will help you with any problems you are having and keep you on track with your program. Lastly, the program you study offers classes that are very specific to that career field. For Public History you would take specific classes in things... Read More
Review Date: 3/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The team at SNHU were terrific! They reviewed my application and had me enrolled within a week. Their online program allows my to take my degree anywhere. I can access all of my course work right from my phone if necessary. This is no joke of a program either. The courses are demanding and I am learning a lot. This degree will go a long way and help me through the next promotion.
Review Date: 9/9/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I attended SNHU from July of 2014 to Apr of 2017 and completed an MA in American History. The professors for the most part were helpful and quick to get back with you, the advisers were pretty good to, my 1st adviser got promoted, he was awesome, my second one was ok just not as good as my first. I attended U of I Chicago and a community college and SNHU was as good if not better than the programs I had there. It is a great school, priced affordably, accredited and the degrees are solid and will... Read More
Review Date: 9/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This program is a lot of work, but it teaches you a lot. I have learned a great deal in a short amount of time. I am a Humanities major.
Review Date: 6/27/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a new student with Chadron State College but I am excited with the opportunity to learn an grow with the community. I am a veteran and the financial aid that the college offers exceeds expectations. From day one, I have had a huge network of support; not just from admissions but from each department.
Review Date: 2/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love my graduate program, my professors and advisers are always there to assess my needs when I need them. There are librarians to help for every possible need for papers and other things.
Review Date: 11/30/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It was a challenging program with the best professors.
Review Date: 1/31/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes