Components of A Successful Career In History
Because there’s no clear-cut answer to what successful careers in history even look like, the definition of successful careers can vary considerably. A position you earn with your history degree might come in the form of a political career or non-profit work, a teaching position as a history professor, a research position, or a job as an archivist or museum curator.
From a monetary standpoint, high-profile politicians or those who later go into law might be considered the most successful but it all depends on what you want your career to look like, as well as how much you’d need to earn to create the life you want.
Working as a historian or in a museum setting may be more in-line with your passions, but these can be competitive careers to get into, without many jobs available or much earning potential. Success is relative—and degree holders can choose between academia and working in the corporate world, working as a writer or journalist, or in the legal profession. However, if you want to get into a museum position or work as a teacher, you may need to return to graduate school and continue to study history at a higher degree level.
Compare Popular Online History Programs
Top 25 Best Online Associate in History Programs
American Public University System
Score: 83.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $53,700
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Regent University
Score: 70.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,686
- Out-of-State: $20,686
- Net Price: $17,341
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 10,337
- Undergrad Students: 4,541
- Graduate Students: 5,796
- Grads Salary: $36,800
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Liberty University
Score: 67.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,222
- Out-of-State: $21,222
- Net Price: $29,913
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 96,709
- Undergrad Students: 48,906
- Graduate Students: 47,803
- Grads Salary: $40,600
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Score: 66.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,900
- Out-of-State: $5,900
- Net Price: $10,596
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 5,282
- Undergrad Students: 5,282
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,100
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Sinclair Community College
Score: 64.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,569
- Out-of-State: $8,316
- Net Price: $5,830
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 17,591
- Undergrad Students: 17,591
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,700
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Cowley College
Score: 63.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,650
- Out-of-State: $6,150
- Net Price: $8,396
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 2,230
- Undergrad Students: 2,230
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,900
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Community College of Baltimore County
Score: 63.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,474
- Out-of-State: $10,880
- Net Price: $6,850
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 16%
- Total Enrollment: 15,319
- Undergrad Students: 15,319
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $46,100
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Santa Barbara City College
Score: 62.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,234
- Out-of-State: $10,186
- Net Price: $14,180
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 12,675
- Undergrad Students: 12,675
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $42,800
- Student-to-faculty: 37:1
Truckee Meadows Community College
Score: 62.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,144
- Out-of-State: $11,243
- Net Price: $7,966
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 9,651
- Undergrad Students: 9,651
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,400
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Tulsa Community College
Score: 61.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,768
- Out-of-State: $9,720
- Net Price: $4,471
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 14,391
- Undergrad Students: 14,391
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,700
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Murray State College
Score: 61.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,630
- Out-of-State: $10,830
- Net Price: $11,807
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 2,282
- Undergrad Students: 2,282
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $38,800
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Lake Superior College
Score: 61.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,786
- Out-of-State: $5,786
- Net Price: $14,978
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 3,849
- Undergrad Students: 3,849
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,500
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Saddleback College
Score: 60.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,432
- Out-of-State: $13,732
- Net Price: $6,940
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 16,660
- Undergrad Students: 16,660
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $27,500
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
East Mississippi Community College
Score: 60.54
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,950
- Out-of-State: $6,950
- Net Price: $5,277
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 3,324
- Undergrad Students: 3,324
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $30,700
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Score: 60.12
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,000
- Out-of-State: $5,000
- Net Price: $4,879
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 2,801
- Undergrad Students: 2,801
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $24,600
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Central New Mexico Community College
Score: 59.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,934
- Out-of-State: $8,366
- Net Price: $4,742
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 19,095
- Undergrad Students: 19,095
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,500
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Bucks County Community College
Score: 59.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,221
- Out-of-State: $13,421
- Net Price: $7,061
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 6,162
- Undergrad Students: 6,162
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,300
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Kishwaukee College
Score: 59.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,390
- Out-of-State: $13,800
- Net Price: $8,476
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 2,581
- Undergrad Students: 2,581
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,300
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Community College of Aurora
Score: 59.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,030
- Out-of-State: $15,680
- Net Price: $7,340
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 25%
- Total Enrollment: 8,343
- Undergrad Students: 8,343
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,600
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Pima Community College
Score: 59.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,370
- Out-of-State: $7,686
- Net Price: $3,523
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 18%
- Total Enrollment: 15,293
- Undergrad Students: 15,293
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,700
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Carl Albert State College
Score: 58.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,230
- Out-of-State: $8,707
- Net Price: $6,110
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 1,823
- Undergrad Students: 1,823
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,700
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Rowan College at Burlington County
Score: 57.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,376
- Out-of-State: $6,936
- Net Price: $6,650
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 6,180
- Undergrad Students: 6,180
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,100
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
College of Southern Idaho
Score: 57.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,560
- Out-of-State: $6,840
- Net Price: $7,337
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 8,096
- Undergrad Students: 8,096
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,700
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Cleveland State Community College
Score: 57.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,530
- Out-of-State: $17,730
- Net Price: $9,129
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 3,180
- Undergrad Students: 3,180
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,200
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Georgia State University-Perimeter College
Score: 57.13
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,960
- Out-of-State: $9,312
- Net Price: $9,022
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Total Enrollment: 15,456
- Undergrad Students: 15,456
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,800
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in History Programs
University of Central Florida
Score: 80.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State: $22,467
- Net Price: $13,108
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 68,346
- Undergrad Students: 58,662
- Graduate Students: 9,684
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 29:1
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Score: 79.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,570
- Out-of-State: $35,396
- Net Price: $17,240
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 17,153
- Undergrad Students: 12,389
- Graduate Students: 4,764
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Florida International University
Score: 79.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
University of Arizona
Score: 78.16
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,626
- Out-of-State: $41,095
- Net Price: $17,075
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 49,403
- Undergrad Students: 38,751
- Graduate Students: 10,652
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Arizona State University
Score: 77.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State: $32,193
- Net Price: $14,808
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 80,065
- Undergrad Students: 65,492
- Graduate Students: 14,573
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Washington State University
Score: 76.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,997
- Out-of-State: $29,073
- Net Price: $17,911
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 27,539
- Undergrad Students: 22,612
- Graduate Students: 4,927
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Oregon State University
Score: 76.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,494
- Out-of-State: $35,664
- Net Price: $21,163
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 34,292
- Undergrad Students: 28,905
- Graduate Students: 5,387
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Idaho
Score: 75.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,816
- Out-of-State: $29,784
- Net Price: $14,954
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 11,507
- Undergrad Students: 8,809
- Graduate Students: 2,698
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Mississippi State University
Score: 75.07
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,815
- Out-of-State: $26,580
- Net Price: $15,364
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 22,649
- Undergrad Students: 18,305
- Graduate Students: 4,344
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
American Public University System
Score: 74.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
University of Illinois Springfield
Score: 74.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,252
- Out-of-State: $22,017
- Net Price: $11,733
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 4,198
- Undergrad Students: 2,393
- Graduate Students: 1,805
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 73.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State: $21,480
- Net Price: $7,259
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,801
- Undergrad Students: 10,776
- Graduate Students: 5,025
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Score: 73.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,166
- Out-of-State: $27,166
- Net Price: $26,757
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 9,959
- Undergrad Students: 5,809
- Graduate Students: 4,150
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Score: 73.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,630
- Out-of-State: $32,630
- Net Price: $25,310
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 3,656
- Undergrad Students: 2,785
- Graduate Students: 871
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Score: 73.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,440
- Out-of-State: $33,432
- Net Price: $13,211
- Acceptance Rate: 51%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 15,181
- Undergrad Students: 12,415
- Graduate Students: 2,766
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Score: 72.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,640
- Out-of-State: $22,752
- Net Price: $9,450
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 6,607
- Undergrad Students: 5,636
- Graduate Students: 971
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Eastern New Mexico University
Score: 71.67
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,863
- Out-of-State: $8,843
- Net Price: $8,702
- Acceptance Rate: 28%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 5,106
- Undergrad Students: 3,833
- Graduate Students: 1,273
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Penn State World Campus
Score: 71.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,204
- Out-of-State: $15,204
- Net Price: $19,551
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 13,979
- Undergrad Students: 8,210
- Graduate Students: 5,769
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Westfield State University
Score: 71.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,882
- Out-of-State: $17,962
- Net Price: $18,021
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 4,702
- Undergrad Students: 3,943
- Graduate Students: 759
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Linfield University
Score: 71.24
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,530
- Out-of-State: $49,530
- Net Price: $31,585
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 1,754
- Undergrad Students: 1,720
- Graduate Students: 34
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Utah State University
Score: 71.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,228
- Out-of-State: $24,802
- Net Price: $14,577
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 27,943
- Undergrad Students: 24,835
- Graduate Students: 3,108
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Score: 70.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,455
- Out-of-State: $19,210
- Net Price: $11,173
- Acceptance Rate: 61%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 8,197
- Undergrad Students: 5,825
- Graduate Students: 2,372
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of North Alabama
Score: 70.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,990
- Out-of-State: $22,190
- Net Price: $9,837
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,830
- Undergrad Students: 7,214
- Graduate Students: 2,616
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Southern Utah University
Score: 69.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,770
- Out-of-State: $20,586
- Net Price: $12,681
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 14,330
- Undergrad Students: 12,649
- Graduate Students: 1,681
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Score: 69.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,208
- Out-of-State: $31,750
- Net Price: $19,700
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 7,457
- Undergrad Students: 5,517
- Graduate Students: 1,940
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Top 25 Best Online Masters in History Programs
Harvard University
Score: 92.39
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,032
- Out-of-State: $54,032
- Net Price: $19,491
- Acceptance Rate: 3%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Total Enrollment: 30,631
- Undergrad Students: 9,368
- Graduate Students: 21,263
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Florida International University
Score: 71.37
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,119
- Out-of-State: $21,600
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Arizona State University
Score: 69.98
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,376
- Out-of-State: $25,722
- Net Price: $14,808
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 80,065
- Undergrad Students: 65,492
- Graduate Students: 14,573
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Louisiana Tech University
Score: 69.14
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,416
- Out-of-State: $10,147
- Net Price: $12,243
- Acceptance Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 10,839
- Undergrad Students: 9,924
- Graduate Students: 915
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
American Public University System
Score: 68.41
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,650
- Out-of-State: $7,650
- Net Price: $11,172
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 48,668
- Undergrad Students: 39,206
- Graduate Students: 9,462
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Norwich University
Score: 68.08
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,176
- Out-of-State: $22,176
- Net Price: $24,501
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
- Total Enrollment: 3,363
- Undergrad Students: 2,799
- Graduate Students: 564
- Grads Salary: $86,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Fitchburg State University
Score: 67.26
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,510
- Out-of-State: $3,510
- Net Price: $15,535
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 6,554
- Undergrad Students: 3,168
- Graduate Students: 3,386
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Score: 66.77
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,979
- Out-of-State: $20,155
- Net Price: $18,709
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 17,843
- Undergrad Students: 14,294
- Graduate Students: 3,549
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Eastern Illinois University
Score: 65.3
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,060
- Out-of-State: $19,345
- Net Price: $13,380
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 8,857
- Undergrad Students: 6,916
- Graduate Students: 1,941
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Score: 64.97
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,366
- Out-of-State: $37,800
- Net Price: $17,123
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 15,586
- Undergrad Students: 12,221
- Graduate Students: 3,365
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Jacksonville State University
Score: 64.43
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,128
- Out-of-State: $16,464
- Net Price: $11,953
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,632
- Undergrad Students: 8,310
- Graduate Students: 1,322
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of North Alabama
Score: 64.39
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,910
- Out-of-State: $17,820
- Net Price: $9,837
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 9,830
- Undergrad Students: 7,214
- Graduate Students: 2,616
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Alcorn State University
Score: 64.24
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,583
- Out-of-State: $8,583
- Net Price: $14,864
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 2,933
- Undergrad Students: 2,431
- Graduate Students: 502
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Score: 63.44
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,288
- Out-of-State: $13,932
- Net Price: $17,873
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 8,221
- Undergrad Students: 6,757
- Graduate Students: 1,464
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Sam Houston State University
Score: 63.37
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,765
- Out-of-State: $13,109
- Net Price: $13,632
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 21,480
- Undergrad Students: 18,235
- Graduate Students: 3,245
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Score: 63.32
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,490
- Out-of-State: $18,590
- Net Price: $11,353
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 8,398
- Undergrad Students: 6,552
- Graduate Students: 1,846
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Score: 63.14
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,432
- Out-of-State: $14,136
- Net Price: $16,564
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 6,041
- Undergrad Students: 4,269
- Graduate Students: 1,772
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Pittsburg State University
Score: 62.95
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,162
- Out-of-State: $17,994
- Net Price: $16,725
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 5,858
- Undergrad Students: 4,489
- Graduate Students: 1,369
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Memphis
Score: 62.49
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,576
- Out-of-State: $13,590
- Net Price: $13,873
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 21,917
- Undergrad Students: 16,708
- Graduate Students: 5,209
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Indiana University-Northwest
Score: 62.19
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,979
- Out-of-State: $18,888
- Net Price: $6,553
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 3,198
- Undergrad Students: 2,860
- Graduate Students: 338
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Eastern Washington University
Score: 62.16
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,698
- Out-of-State: $28,043
- Net Price: $12,827
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 10,910
- Undergrad Students: 7,604
- Graduate Students: 3,306
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Fort Hays State University
Score: 62.13
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,979
- Out-of-State: $11,334
- Net Price: $13,322
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 12,949
- Undergrad Students: 10,427
- Graduate Students: 2,522
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Idaho State University
Score: 61.88
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,904
- Out-of-State: $27,788
- Net Price: $12,425
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 12,301
- Undergrad Students: 10,017
- Graduate Students: 2,284
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Western Kentucky University
Score: 61.71
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,140
- Out-of-State: $18,340
- Net Price: $12,625
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 16,493
- Undergrad Students: 14,440
- Graduate Students: 2,053
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Indiana State University
Score: 61.49
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,100
- Out-of-State: $15,930
- Net Price: $12,688
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 8,658
- Undergrad Students: 6,965
- Graduate Students: 1,693
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
What Can You Do with a History Degree?
History majors get a bad rap. It’s one of those degrees that people on the outside deem useless. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The skills you learn in your history studies will prepare you for success in a wide range of fields.
So, in all honesty, the number of people who get a history degree and then go on to become a historian is relatively low. But that doesn’t mean that this degree doesn’t come with a wealth of possibilities. History majors might become teachers, lawyers, archivists, writers, politicians, the list goes on. In some instances, history is the starting point. A solid foundation on which a graduate can build. This history major serves as a starting point for some paths that require additional education, though in other cases, can mean that graduates enter a career right away.
History majors also spend a great deal of time doing research. This training prepares them for careers in journalism, fundraising, public relations, marketing, and more. Often history majors are strong writers and may choose to find work in a media-related field.
Find Your Online History College Program
Typical Online History Degree Requirements
An undergraduate degree in history gives students a comprehensive view of the recorded past and how earlier actions have influenced humanity. History majors will generally study US history, as well as history courses organized either by region or period.
Typical History Certifications Needed
There are no specific federal or state requirements that dictate whether historians must hold licenses or certifications. Potential employers will evaluate the candidate in the context of the position. For example, employers might look at a historian’s peer-reviewed articles or their research to determine whether that person is qualified for the job. Or, things like oral presentations might come into play.
However, though there are no official history certifications, there are a couple of certifications which you may find useful if you are looking to fight for those hard-to-get positions.
- A certificate in Historic Preservations is 16 credit hours and can be earned, either in the normal course of study for a bachelor’s, or after you have completed a degree. It will let you learn about historic preservation history, and its methodology and issues in current practice.
- A certificate in Museum Scholarship and Material Culture is meant to augment graduate studies. It will help you learn about how materials are kept and curated within the museum environment.
What are the Academic Standards?
A bachelor’s history degree is enough to qualify entry-level applicants for office work, or a role as a research assistant, campaign worker, consultant, writer, librarian, or lobbyist. History is one of the humanities, and for that reason, there’s aren’t many markers of quality in place that aren’t subjective.
When applying for jobs post-graduation, most employers will look for some evidence of competency—which of course is supported by having earned your degree. Most employers look for a degree from an accredited college or university, so keep that in mind when you apply to online programs.
Exam or Experience Needed for History Majors
There isn’t a clear-cut career path like what you’ll find in other fields, but your education will be a great starting point for many careers. For most history-centric jobs, a master’s degree, at minimum is the norm. With that in mind, you should plan on taking the GRE and maintaining a high GPA as you earn your undergraduate degree.
Another option is pursuing a teaching credential, which requires a bachelor’s from an accredited college or university. Students will also gain hands-on classroom experience before earning their credential. All states require public school teachers to be certified in the specific grade and subject matter they wish to teach, and final licensure comes from the state.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a History bachelor's degree online?
Most bachelor’s degrees, including those with a history major, are offered as 120-credit hour, four-year online programs. Online and on-campus history students may be able to work at their own pace, though they’ll need to consider the cost and the workload associated with enrolling in additional credit hours. An online history degree offers more flexibility for working professionals than you’d get with a traditional on-campus program. However, if you choose to take less than full credit hours to take advantage of this flexibility, you may find yourself taking much longer to complete your degree.
How much does an Online History bachelor’s degree cost?
Earning a bachelor’s history degree tends to cost between $275 and $525 per credit hour and, with that in mind, history students can expect to pay between $33,000 and $69,000 total throughout their four-year online program. However, this varies greatly between regions, in-state vs out-of-state students, and public vs private institutions. Research thoroughly the programs you’re interested in for costs and what history majors are available as the history major or history degree you choose can affect your career path. There are options in world history, military history, American history, European history, architectural history and more.
History Bachelor's Degree Coursework
The courses you’ll take in an online history program help students develop a framework for understanding the world from a historical perspective. While you might choose a specialization like European History or the history of Indigenous peoples, most online programs offer a core curriculum emphasizing writing, research, and analysis. These skills are essential for a broad range of fields from teaching to law, journalism, politics, and business.
Does the school have the major(s) you’re considering?
Naturally, you don’t want to end up at a school that doesn’t have the online program you’re considering. The beauty of an online program lies in the ability to “attend” a school that might not be nearby, so it may open up your options if moving is out of the question.
We should also mention that you’ll need to make sure the schools you’re considering offer your desired program online. Many schools offer more options for on-campus students and a more limited selection of majors for the online set. General history is a common major, but students looking for a more specialized degree may need to do some research to find where they are available.
If you’re unsure of what you want to study, look for a school with multiple humanities concentrations. The first year or two of your bachelor’s are primarily about fulfilling general education requirements—and as such, will give you some flexibility to explore a few options.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
When you’re looking at history programs, and schools in general, the graduation rate is something that might give you some insight into the quality of a program. For example, a school with a low graduation rate may not give their students the support they need to complete their coursework successfully.
Whereas, as a school with a higher graduation rate tends to be full of students and faculty excited to learn and equipped with the resources needed to move through their program on a relatively predictable timeline.
That said, this isn’t the only metric that should come into play, here. People take longer to finish school for all kinds of reasons, many of which have nothing to do with the quality of education they’ve received.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold?
Accreditation is one of the most critical factors in selecting an online school. Colleges and universities receive accreditation from a variety of agencies that are certified by the US Department of Education, which signifies that a school meets standards.
A bachelor’s history degree from an accredited program means that the student completed coursework in line with relatively universal standards that ensure students cover the same subject matter and meet similar criteria during their studies.
Regional accreditation is going to be the most visible marker of quality. Especially when you’re considering something like history or the humanities, which serve as a means of developing your ability to think critically and draw your own conclusions. Finally, accreditation is a must if you wish to gain entrance into law school, a master’s program, or a teaching certification program.
How is it regarded in the field?
The school’s reputation will have a lot to do with your success down the road. Your main concern should be whether the school is accredited. However, it’s smart to choose a school with a reputable history program. Additional considerations depend on your goals. If you’re looking at law schools or master’s programs, performing well in the context of a competitive institution may help with admissions. Regarding professional development, you’ll want to look at the success rates of former students, as well as faculty qualifications.
Search Online Colleges Offering a History Degree Online
Professional History Organizations
Professional history organizations usually provide professionals within the field with opportunities to network with other historians, look for work, and immediate access to information about fellowships, grants, or calls for papers.
Here are a few of the organizations you should know if you’re thinking seriously about pursuing a career in history.
American Historical Association
The American Historical Association or the AHA is one of the most important professional organizations for historians. The AHA works to provide history majors, grad students, and professionals with professional development resources, publications, and more. It’s also an excellent resource for finding grants, awards, and fellowship opportunities within the space.
Organization of American Historians
Organization of American Historians
The Organization of American Historians or the OAH is a professional organization that has been around since 1907. The organization offers resources like history publications, internships, and more to professors and K-12 history teachers, as well as an online career coach for newcomers to the field. The OAH also offers an online career center featuring job listings at all levels.
National Council on Public History
National Council on Public History
The NCPH provides serval resources for public historians such as job listings, professional development opportunities, and career guidance. Many of the jobs include positions outside of academia—like libraries, museums, historic preservation societies, and more.
American Association of State and Local History
American Association of State and Local History
The AASLH is an association for history professionals, like those we’ve mentioned above. This organization offers a career center with job postings as well as a resume review service that can help those new to the field gain a competitive edge when applying to jobs.