10 Most Affordable PhD in History Programs in 2026

Pursuing a PhD in history can open doors to careers in academia, research, public history, and leadership roles in cultural institutions. For many students, affordability and flexibility are essential, especially when balancing studies with professional or personal commitments. 

Online programs allow you to work toward your doctorate from anywhere while controlling costs and tailoring your pace. In this article, you’ll find the cheapest online PhD in history programs along with a curated list of other affordable history PhD options, making it easier to compare programs, evaluate costs, and choose the one that best supports your career and educational goals.

What Is a History PhD?

A PhD in history is the highest academic degree in the field, focusing on advanced research, historical analysis, and original scholarship. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors to develop expertise in a specific area, such as political, cultural, or global history. 

The program typically includes intense coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation based on original research. You’ll be prepared for careers in academia, historical research, museums, archives, or cultural organizations, as well as leadership roles where critical thinking and analytical skills are essential.

Can I Earn a PhD in History Online?

Yes, some universities offer PhD in history programs in an online or hybrid format. Most coursework and research advising can be completed remotely, making the degree more accessible for working professionals. However, in-person components such as short residencies, dissertation defenses, or archival research may still be required depending on the institution’s policies.

How Much Does a PhD in History Cost?

A PhD in history can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 or more, depending on the school, residency requirements, and program length. In addition to tuition, you may need to budget for fees, books, research travel, and housing during required on-campus sessions. 

Many programs offer assistantships, fellowships, or grants that can offset costs, and federal financial aid may also be available for you. With careful planning, you can manage expenses while pursuing your academic and career goals.

Cheapest History PhD Programs

Below is a list of the best history PhD programs, both online and on-campus, to help you choose an option that matches both your budget and academic ambitions.

1. University of Mississippi 

The University of Mississippi’s PhD in history offers a supportive, research-driven environment where you can pursue advanced scholarship in areas such as U.S. history, European history, or global history. The program combines coursework in historical theory, historiography, and specialized topics with opportunities to develop teaching and mentoring skills.  

You’ll benefit from close faculty guidance and access to extensive archives and resources, including the university’s special collections. While primarily campus-based, this program allows for flexibility in research locations depending on your dissertation focus. Many graduates go on to careers in higher education, archival management, museums, and publishing. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $416 per credit hour (in-state); $840 per credit hour (out-of-state) 
• Financial aid: The University of Mississippi provides graduate assistantships, fellowships, and federal aid options for qualifying students. 
• Accreditation: SACSCOC
  

2. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (NU) offers a PhD in history with advanced coursework, original research, and professional training to prepare you for careers in academia, public history, or archival work. You can pursue specializations such as U.S., European, or Latin American history, or explore interdisciplinary fields like digital history.  

The program fosters close collaboration with faculty, providing mentorship from proposal development through dissertation defense. While coursework is completed on campus, you’ll also have opportunities for teaching experience and professional development. The department’s resources and research support help you make meaningful contributions to historical scholarship while building a competitive academic portfolio. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $383 per credit hour (in-state); $1,119 per credit hour (out-of-state)
  
  
• Financial aid: Graduate students may be eligible for assistantships, fellowships, and other funding that can include tuition remission and stipends, along with competitive awards for research and travel.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Oklahoma 

The University of Oklahoma’s (OU) PhD in history allows you to immerse yourself in advanced historical research with areas of focus including U.S., European, Native American, and Latin American history. The program combines seminars, independent research, and professional training to prepare you for roles in higher education, museums, archives, and beyond.  

Faculty members offer close mentorship; they’ll guide you in refining your research questions, conducting archival work, and producing a dissertation that makes a scholarly contribution. You can also gain teaching experience, present at conferences, and collaborate on research projects, ensuring you graduate with strong academic and professional credentials. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $401 per credit hour (in-state); $1,120 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: OU offers graduate assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships to support tuition and living costs, along with guidance on securing external research funding.
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Clemson University 

Clemson University, located in South Carolina, offers a PhD in digital history, a unique program that integrates traditional historical research with cutting-edge digital tools and methods. You’ll explore historical inquiry while learning skills in data visualization, digital archiving, and online public history.  

The curriculum includes seminars, hands-on digital projects, and individualized research, allowing you to tailor your work to academic, public, or applied history careers. Faculty mentorship and collaborative opportunities ensure you gain both scholarly depth and technical expertise. This innovative approach prepares you to engage broader audiences with historical narratives while contributing to the growing field of digital humanities. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $594 per credit hour (in-state); $1,253 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Clemson provides assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships for graduate students, along with additional resources for research expenses and conference travel.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC
  

5. University of Kansas 

The University of Kansas (KU) offers a PhD in history that allows you to tailor your research toward your interests, with concentrations in areas like military history, environmental history, or cultural history. The program includes advanced coursework, research seminars, and professional development to prepare you for careers in academia, public history, or specialized research roles.  

KU’s faculty bring diverse expertise and mentor you throughout your dissertation process, ensuring your work is both original and impactful. Graduate students can also participate in teaching opportunities, conference presentations, and interdisciplinary projects. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $452.30 per credit (in-state); $1,084.60 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: KU offers assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships for graduate students, along with guidance on external funding sources for research and travel.
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Liberty University 

Liberty University offers a fully online PhD in history designed for students who want to deepen their expertise and advance in academia, research, or public history. The program allows you to specialize in areas such as American, European, or world history while developing advanced skills in historical analysis, research methodology, and academic writing.  

Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, giving you the flexibility to balance studies with professional and personal responsibilities. In addition to coursework, you’ll complete original research culminating in a dissertation that contributes to the field. Faculty provide mentorship throughout, helping you refine your focus and prepare for careers in higher education, museums, archives, or research organizations. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Liberty University offers scholarships, grants, tuition assistance, and federal aid to help eligible students manage educational expenses.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Mississippi State University 

Mississippi State University’s (MSU) PhD in history gives you the opportunity to pursue advanced research in a wide range of historical fields, including U.S., European, Latin American, African, and Asian history. The program offers close collaboration with faculty, small seminar classes, and the chance to develop expertise in both teaching and scholarship.  

You’ll work toward producing original research that reflects deep engagement with historical sources and debates. MSU’s program also provides opportunities for graduate assistantships, which allow you to gain valuable instructional experience while offsetting costs. With a supportive academic environment and strong research resources, you can develop the skills needed for academic, governmental, or archival careers. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $416 per credit hour (in-state); $840 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: The University of Mississippi provides graduate assistantships, fellowships, and federal aid options for qualifying students.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of Oregon 

The University of Oregon (UofO) offers a PhD in history that focuses on both depth of knowledge and innovative research. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors to explore fields such as United States history, ancient and medieval studies, or global and transnational history.  The program is primarily campus-based but offers flexibility for independent research, archival work, and dissertation writing. 

You’ll engage with seminars in historiography, thematic studies, and advanced research methods, while also gaining experience in teaching at the undergraduate level. This degree works well for aspiring professors, researchers, and public historians who want to make meaningful contributions to historical scholarship. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $642 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The UofO offers graduate fellowships, assistantships, and federal aid to help students offset tuition and living expenses.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

9. University of California, Irvine 

The University of California, Irvine’s (UCI) PhD in history offers a research-focused program made to prepare graduates for careers in academia, public history, and research institutions. Students can specialize in fields such as U.S. history, Asian history, Latin American history, and African history, with a strong focus on comparative and transnational approaches. The program combines advanced seminars with professional development opportunities, including teaching assistantships and conference participation.  

While the majority of coursework takes place on campus, the program supports independent archival research and dissertation writing from anywhere. Faculty members are active scholars who provide mentorship throughout your academic journey. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,380 per term (in-state); $5,034 per term (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: UCI offers fellowships, teaching assistantships, and need-based financial aid to support graduate students.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a PhD in history designed to prepare you for advanced careers in academia, research, public history, and related fields. You can focus your studies in areas such as U.S., European, Latin American, or Asian history, tailoring your coursework and research to your professional interests.  

The program has seminars, independent study, and faculty mentorship. You’ll also benefit from teaching opportunities that build classroom experience. While most coursework is completed on campus, the flexible structure allows you to progress steadily toward your dissertation and career goals. 

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,474 per academic year (in-state); $31,266 per academic year (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Graduate students may be eligible for assistantships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities, which can cover tuition and provide stipends. Additional resources are available to support research and travel.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How We Rank Schools

Our rankings of history PhD programs are built on factors that matter most to prospective students, ensuring the programs listed offer both quality and value.

• Accreditation: We only include schools with recognized accreditation, which ensures the program meets established academic and professional standards and that your degree will be respected by employers and other institutions.
• Affordability: Tuition and fees are carefully reviewed to highlight programs that deliver strong educational outcomes at a cost that makes sense for students’ budgets.
• Program reputation: We consider faculty expertise, research opportunities, and graduate success rates to identify programs known for producing well-prepared, competitive graduates.

What To Expect From a PhD in History Program

A PhD in history typically blends advanced coursework, independent research, and professional development, culminating in a dissertation that contributes original scholarship to the field. You’ll take seminars in your chosen specialization, along with courses in historiography, research methods, and possibly interdisciplinary topics. 

Even in online or hybrid formats, you can expect active engagement with faculty through virtual meetings, feedback on your research, and collaborative projects. Most programs also include opportunities to teach or present at conferences, helping you develop skills in communication, critical analysis, and scholarly writing, essential for careers in academia, museums, archives, and public history.

FAQs About the Cheapest PhD in History Degrees

 Pursuing a PhD in history is a significant commitment of time, energy, and resources. These frequently asked questions address concerns about value, credibility, admissions, and career outcomes. 

Is an Online PhD in History Worth It?

Online history PhD programs can open doors to careers in academia, research, and public history, but their value depends on your goals. Consider the cost, time investment, and potential salary increases when weighing the benefits against the financial and personal commitments required.

Are Online History PhDs Respected?

When earned from an accredited, reputable institution, history PhD programs online are generally respected by employers and academic peers. Program quality, faculty expertise, and your research contributions carry more weight than whether the degree was completed online or on campus.

What Are Typical Admission Requirements for a History PhD?

Most programs require a master’s degree in history or a related field, strong academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some also require writing samples, language proficiency, or relevant research experience to ensure you’re prepared for advanced scholarly work.

What Career Options Do History PhD Graduates Have?

Graduates often pursue roles as university professors, museum directors, archivists, or research historians. Others work in government, publishing, or cultural institutions. Career paths typically involve leveraging research expertise, analytical skills, and historical knowledge to inform policy, education, or public engagement.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs 

If you’re ready to take the next step toward earning your doctorate, there are many fields beyond history to consider. Explore other online doctoral programs on Learn.org to find options that match your interests, career goals, and budget.