How To Pay For a History Degree

You can pay for a history degree by researching your financial aid options and applying for all the funding opportunities you are eligible for. Scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other forms of financial assistance provide helpful ways to finance your college education.

By studying history, one of the social sciences, you can use the past to understand the present. The coursework helps history students develop critical thinking skills to analyze and provide unique insights into current events.

After completing your history degree program, various career options are available, from entry-level roles to high-paying jobs. To take advantage of the many different career paths, it is important to know how much a degree will cost and how you can prepare.

How Much Does a History Degree Cost?

The total cost of a history degree depends on the degree level and the amount of financial assistance you are eligible for throughout your program. Tuition rates can also vary based on where you live and whether the school you attend is public or private.

Associate Degree

For students who want to pursue higher education, associate degrees are an affordable option. The total cost can be under $10,000 if you choose a community or online college, utilize in-state tuition rates, and apply for financial aid. Attending a private college will be more expensive and can cost you $20,000 or more in tuition and fees to complete your associate degree in history.

Bachelor's Degree

On average, a bachelor's degree in history costs around $40,000 in total. Paying to attend a private, out-of-state school can triple that amount. Online bachelor's programs in history and in-state schools are more affordable options for history majors. They have lower tuition rates, so attending one can help make paying for your degree easier.

Master's Degree

Graduate degrees can be completed in less time, but often have higher tuition rates. If you are planning to earn a master's degree in history, the average cost you can expect will be within the $30,000 to $60,000 range. To decrease the cost of your program, you can attend an in-state school or enroll in an online master's program in history.

Tips for Paying for a History Degree

A college education is beneficial for your academic and professional growth, but it can be expensive depending on your program. These tips and financial aid sources can help you pay for your history degree.

1. Complete the FAFSA

When preparing to pay for college, you should start by filling out the FAFSA to get an idea of how much financial support you qualify for. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid outlines the types of federal and state financial aid you are eligible for, including college-specific grants and scholarships.

2. Explore Scholarships for History Majors

Some scholarships are based on academic performance and achievement, but some are specifically intended for certain fields of study. As a history major, you can benefit from exploring and applying for the ones you qualify for.

Charles J. Hasbrouck Memorial Scholarships

Undergraduate history students can receive $1,000 with the Charles J. Hasbrouck Memorial Scholarship. It is awarded to those studying historical preservation, artifact conservation, local history, and architecture.

The Lucinda Beneventi Findley History Scholarship

The Lucinda Beneventi Findley History Scholarship is awarded to high school students with a 3.25 or higher GPA who are pursuing history at an accredited college. It provides them with $2,000 to help them pay for their degree.

Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship

With the Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship students can receive $8,000. It is awarded to undergraduates who are studying American history and American government. Students can receive $2,000 each year as long as they maintain a 3.25 GPA.

3. Discover History Degree Fellowships

Students can also consider fellowships, which are usually for advanced degree students though there are opportunities for undergrads. They provide funding for research and other educational opportunities.

Gilder Lehrman College Fellowship

History majors can receive $3,000 in funding by applying for the Gilder Lehrman College research fellowship. It provides them with access to the Gilder Lehrman Collection which has over 85,000 items that document the history of the U.S. With this fellowship, students are also granted access to other archives in New York City so they can conduct research.

The Women's History Institute Summer Research Fellowship

Students can receive $3,000 with the Women's History Institute of Historic Hudson Valley's Summer Research Fellowship. It encourages students to conduct scholarly research and engage with the Hudson Valley's historical archives.

Hodson Trust-John Carter Brown Library Fellowship

History students can receive a $5,000 monthly stipend with the Hodson Trust-John Carter Brown Library Fellowship. It funds two months of research and two months of writing and is intended for students who are studying America before the 1830s,

4. Look for Student Loans

You can pay for a history degree with federal or private student loans, however, after you graduate, you will need to repay them. When you fill out the FAFSA, you can see your federal loan options. These are generally a better option than private student loans because they are more flexible with repayment and often have better rates.

5. Consider a Work-Study Program

Work-study programs are a type of financial aid that provides part-time jobs for eligible students. While earning your degree, you can use the money earned in a work-study job to pay for education expenses.

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Is It Worth Getting a History Degree?

Many benefits come with a history education, so paying for a degree can be worth it. History programs provide an in-depth look into past events, encouraging students to interpret and analyze how and why they happened.

History graduates have a valuable skill set for their careers. They can use their knowledge and critical thinking skills to work for non-profits and government agencies, work in the political science field, or conduct research at historical sites.

Some graduates choose to use their research skills to become archaeologists or use their writing skills to contribute to academia. Others decide to continue their education by pursuing law school.

Does a History Degree Pay Well?

History degrees can pay well depending on your experience and credentials. The highest-paying history jobs typically require candidates to have advanced degrees. Graduate school equips students with advanced methodologies of historical research.

For those pursuing an undergraduate degree, you can increase your average salary by working full-time after graduating and gaining relevant experience. This can qualify you for more high-paying jobs.

What Can I Do With a History Degree?

A history degree program provides students with unique and diverse perspectives. When graduates enter the job market, they can pursue many different career paths.

Learn more: History Degree Career Options

Archivist

Archivists are responsible for managing and preserving historical documents used for research and educational purposes. They help keep records accessible so they can continue to be used as valuable sources of information.

History Teacher

Many history majors choose to become elementary, middle, or high school teachers. They educate students about important historical events and key figures. History teachers can focus on areas like U.S. history and world history.

Museum Curator

Museum curators create exhibits by finding and creating collections of historical artifacts. They work with historians and researchers to educate the public. Aside from a degree in history, museum curators also have expertise in specific areas such as certain time periods or cultures.