01Recommended
Washington State University
Students who want the strongest overall online history program.
- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
17 Best Online History Degrees of 2026
Washington State University is best for the strongest overall online history program, the University of Arizona for students who prefer a public research university, and the University of Central Florida for the lowest published tuition among the top options. Decide whether cost, institutional type or overall program strength matters most, then verify accreditation and transfer credit.
Fact-checkedOur top 3 picks
Independent picks from our 2026 ranking. No paid placements.
02Best public option
University of Arizona
Students who prefer a public university for an online history degree.
- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
03Best value
University of Central Florida
Budget-conscious students who want a lower-cost online history degree.
- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
Advertiser disclosure RaveReviews may earn a commission from links on this page. That never influences our scores or rankings. How we make money.
The RaveReviews AlgorithmSources, weights and method
How the score works
We collect published rankings in this category, normalize each placement to a 0–100 scale, weight the sources by category fit and recency, and average only the lists where a provider appears. The result is divided by 10 and rounded to one decimal.
- 01Collect the source rankings.
- 02Normalize every position.
- 03Weight the sources.
- 04Calculate the RaveReviews Algorithm score.
Scoring factors
- Student outcomes30%
- Affordability25%
- Flexibility20%
- Student support15%
- Reputation and accreditation10%
Sources used
Last reviewed 2026-11-02. 3 sources contributed to this ranking.
The ranking at a glanceScores, chart and shortlist shape
Score curve
How the top 10 scores fall from first to tenth.
#1#5#10
Top scores
The first five, scored out of 10.
What you need to know before you choose.
Online history degrees range from low-cost public options to private programs with different credit-transfer rules. Compare tuition, accreditation and online course availability.
Check regional accreditation and how many history credits must be completed with the institution. Compare out-of-state tuition and fees, and ask whether online students can access the same courses and faculty as campus students.
01Best overallWashington State UniversityStudents who want the strongest overall online history program.10.002Best public optionUniversity of ArizonaStudents who prefer a public university for an online history degree.9.503Best valueUniversity of Central FloridaBudget-conscious students who want a lower-cost online history degree.8.7
What the research says.
This shortlist is built from published rankings, not a single editor's opinion. Here is the evidence behind the score.
17options reviewed
5.5average score
10.0top score
3authority sources
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Authority sources
Read the published rankings behind this list.
OnlineU — 2026 Best Online History Degrees
College Consensus — Best Online Bachelor's in History (ordered list)
Academic Influence — Best Online Bachelor's of History Degree Programs for 2026
Key insights
17options reviewed
Compared on value, features, ease, support and reputation.
5weighted ranking factors
The same published model across every category.
0paid placements
Compensation never changes a score or a rank.
Education options ranked
17 options, scored on value, features, ease of use, support and reputation.
Washington State University
RecommendedBest overall- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
University of Arizona
Best public option- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
University of Central Florida
Best value- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- 120 credits
University of Idaho
Top five- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Sam Houston State University
Top five- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Florida International University
Strongest RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Top 10 RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Northern Kentucky University
Top 10 RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Liberty University
Top 10 RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private nonprofit
Regent University
Top 10 RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private nonprofit
Troy University
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Westfield State University
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Southern New Hampshire University Online
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Private nonprofit
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Norfolk State University
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Arkansas Tech University
Two-source RaveReviews Algorithm- 100% online
- Regionally accredited
- Public university
Washington State University pairs a regionally accredited online history program with published tuition of $12,038/year (out-of-state).
10.0RaveReviews Algorithm
Compare the top options
The details that matter most, in one view.
| Offer | Washington State University | University of Arizona | University of Central Florida | University of Idaho |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RaveReviews Algorithm | 10.0 | 9.5 | 8.7 | 7.5 |
| Best for | Students who want the strongest overall online history program. | Students who prefer a public university for an online history degree. | Budget-conscious students who want a lower-cost online history degree. | Students who want a top five program. |
| Price | $12,038 | $13,000 | $5,018 | $28,320 |
| Highlight | 100% online | 100% online | 100% online | 100% online |
Showing the top 4 of 17 options. See every ranked option.
The questions buyers actually ask
Clear answers to the decisions that come after the shortlist.
What is the best choice in online history degrees?
If you want the short answer, start with Washington State University. It earned a 10.0 out of 10 in our 2026 ranking, and it is the option we would shortlist first for students who want the strongest overall online history program.. That does not mean it is the right choice for every reader. It means it is the most defensible place to begin.
The ranking is a shortlist, not a finish line. The right option depends on the job you need done, the total cost after fees and the support you will actually use. University of Arizona is the stronger fit for students who prefer a public university for an online history degree.. University of Central Florida is worth a close look for budget-conscious students who want a lower-cost online history degree.. Start with the top pick, then compare the runner-up on the details that change your decision.
Most buyers do not need the longest feature list. They need a clear answer to a smaller question. What will this cost over a year? What happens when something goes wrong? Can I leave without a penalty? Those questions separate a good shortlist from a good decision.
How did we rank online history degrees?
We used the same five-factor model across this category. Student outcomes at 30%, affordability at 25%, flexibility at 20%, student support at 15%, reputation and accreditation at 10%. The weights are published because a score without a method is just a vibe with a decimal point.
The process starts with the evidence a buyer can actually check. We review provider materials, published pricing, contract terms and the support model. Then we compare the details that tend to cause regret later. A low headline price does not count for much if the service fee, cancellation term or coverage limit undoes it.
We also separate popularity from quality. A brand can be everywhere and still be a poor fit for your situation. The ranking rewards fit, not advertising spend. That is why the top pick may not be the most famous name on the page.
What should you look for in online history degrees?
Start with the features that affect your actual use case. For Washington State University, the relevant details include 100% online, regionally accredited, public university. Those are not decoration. They are the parts of the product that determine whether it works on a normal Tuesday, not just on the day you sign up.
Then look at the terms. Price is easy to compare. Contract length, service fees, cancellation rules, support hours and eligibility are harder. They are also where most of the real cost hides. Ask for the total annual cost, not the monthly teaser. Ask what happens if you need to cancel, move or change the plan.
Finally, check the track record. A provider that answers a sales call quickly may be slow when you need help. Read recent reviews, look for patterns and ask how disputes are handled. The best time to learn how a company behaves is before you depend on it.
How much do online history degrees cost?
Washington State University starts at $12,038 /year (out-of-state). University of Arizona starts at $13,000 /year (approx.). University of Central Florida starts at $5,018 /year (out-of-state). Those prices are a starting point, not a full budget. The final number depends on the plan, the contract, the add-ons and where you live.
Here is the part most shoppers miss. The cheapest monthly price is often the most expensive decision. A low rate with a long contract, a large service fee or a narrow coverage set can cost more than a higher headline price with clean terms. Compare the total cost over the period you expect to use the product.
Set a budget before you compare. Then decide which features are worth paying for. If you cannot explain why an upgrade matters to your actual use, it is probably not an upgrade. It is a sales feature.
Which option is best for students who want the strongest overall online history program.?
Washington State University is the pick here because washington state university pairs a regionally accredited online history program with published tuition of $12,038/year (out-of-state).. It is not the cheapest option in the category, and it is not trying to be. It is the option that makes the fewest compromises where the decision matters most.
That recommendation comes with a condition. If your priority is different, the ranking should change. A reader who needs the lowest possible upfront cost should look at the value pick. A reader who needs hands-on support should pay attention to service quality. The best answer is always relative to the job.
Use the top pick as a benchmark. Compare every other option against it on price, terms and the one feature you cannot do without. If another option wins on those three points, it deserves a closer look.
What should you verify before you buy?
Verify the total cost, not the promotional price. Ask for the monthly cost after any introductory period ends. Ask about setup fees, service fees, cancellation fees and anything that changes when you add a user, a location or a feature. The number you see in an ad is rarely the number you will pay in month twelve.
Verify the terms that are easy to miss. Contract length, renewal rules, data practices and support hours matter more than most buyers expect. If the provider cannot explain them clearly before the sale, assume the answer will be harder to get afterward.
Verify the fit with your actual workflow. A demo can make any product look simple. A free trial or a short pilot can show you what the product feels like on a normal day. Use the trial to test the one feature you need most. That is a better use of time than touring every menu.
What should you do next?
Start with the top pick and read the full review. Then compare the runner-up on the three details that matter most to you. If you are still unsure, use the comparison table and the methodology on this page. The goal is not to keep researching forever. The goal is to make a decision you can explain.
Before you sign up, confirm the current price, the contract term and the cancellation policy directly with the provider. Prices change. Terms change. A ranking can point you in the right direction, but the final check has to happen at the source.
If this ranking helped you narrow the list, stop there. A shortlist of two or three good options is enough. The best decision is the one you can act on with confidence, not the one that keeps you in the research phase for another month.
Who wrote and reviewed this ranking
Every ranking has a named editor and a separate quality review before publication.
David Krug
Head of Content
David leads the RaveReviews editorial team, turning research into clear comparisons and useful guides. He oversees content strategy, testing standards and the final read on every ranking.
LinkedIn
Annie Membreve
Head of Quality Control
Annie runs quality control at RaveReviews, checking sourcing, scoring and the details readers rely on. She reviews every ranking before publication and manages corrections.
TikTokFrequently asked questions
Are online History degrees respected by employers?
Regionally accredited online degrees are generally treated the same as campus degrees. Recognition depends on the institution, program accreditation and your field.
How much does an online History degree cost?
Compare total program cost, fees, transfer credit and any residency requirements. The published tuition figure is only one part of the budget.
Can I transfer credits?
Often, yes, but the amount varies. Ask for a transfer evaluation in writing before you enroll.
Keep comparing
More rankings and guides for the decision in front of you.