This snapshot pulls from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and planning tools to show how many scholarships are available for History majors, the total dollars listed, and how early-career pay compares to typical college costs.
We currently list 13 active scholarships tied to History programs, sourced from professional groups, nonprofits, and private sponsors. New awards are added regularly.
The scholarships currently listed total approximately $261,500 in advertised award value. Many programs offer renewable or variable awards, so available funding may be higher over time.
Early-career median pay for History graduates is about $60,000 per year. We estimate a typical 4-year net college cost around $108,584.
That means first-year earnings are roughly 55% of total college cost, with an estimated payback period of 1.8 years (before taxes and living expenses).
The average cost of in-of-state college in the United States is $27,146 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. Out-of-state students pay $45,708 per year. Private, nonprofit university students pay $58,628.
According to data provided by educationdata.org as of 8/2025. Our ROI calculation is based on in-state average tuition. Median pay statistics are provided by bls.gov
The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best History scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.
The Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) is one of the most prestigious national programs supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds who aspire to become scholars, researchers, and college professors in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. Established by The Andrew W.
Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Application Time: High (103 min)The George Watt Memorial Essay Contest, offered by the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives (ALBA), honors the legacy of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade—American volunteers who fought fascism during the Spanish Civil War. The contest encourages deeper academic research, historical understanding, and
Award: $500 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (43 min)The Society for Military History Research Grant supports students, scholars, and early-career researchers conducting original research in the field of military history. This long-standing program is designed to promote high-quality scholarship on military institutions, warfare, strategy, leadership, and the societal
Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)The Society of the Cincinnati History Scholarship is awarded annually to high school students who demonstrate an exceptional understanding of American history and the founding principles of the United States. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage deeper study
Award: $5,000 Deadline: February Est. Application Time: Med (43 min)The Gilder Lehrman Institute Civil War Essay Prize is an annual writing contest encouraging students to engage deeply with the history, causes, legacy, and continuing impact of the American Civil War. This competition invites high school and college students to
Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (43 min)The Phi Alpha Theta (PAT) Honor Society provides multiple scholarships to its student members who are pursuing advanced study or demonstrating leadership in the discipline of history. These awards support master’s and doctoral students, chapter projects, and undergraduate research framed
Award: $1,250 Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Low (28 min)The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) offers scholarships to support students engaged in American history research, historic preservation, restoration, or administration of historic sites. These scholarships further the Society’s mission of preserving heritage and promoting education
Award: Varies Deadline: April Est. Application Time: Med (48 min)The Lynn W. Turner Prize, awarded by Phi Alpha Theta, recognizes the best research paper submitted by an undergraduate member of the honor society. The competition aims to promote original historical research and outstanding writing among undergraduate history students. Eligibility
Award: $500 Deadline: July Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)Name: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarship Application Award Amount: Scholarship award amounts vary depending...
Award: Varies Deadline: January Est. Application Time: Med (86 min)The Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is a highly competitive research fellowship designed to support original scholarship in the history of aviation and spaceflight. This prestigious fellowship provides scholars with
Award: $30,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (33 min)The Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History is a highly competitive, prestigious research fellowship hosted by the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. This 12-month appointment is designed for senior scholars with an established and distinguished
Award: $100,000 Deadline: December Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)The Smithsonian Big Ten Academic Alliance Fellowship is available to doctoral students from universities in the Big Ten Academic Alliance. Eligible applicants must have completed all degree requirements except the dissertation. The fellowship provides the opportunity for independent research in
Award: $45,000 Deadline: October Est. Application Time: Low (13 min)This comprehensive collection of History scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best History scholarship opportunities.
History scholarships provide financial support for students pursuing degrees in history, public history, or museum studies. These awards are offered by universities, historical societies, government organizations, and private foundations to encourage students passionate about research, preservation, and education in the humanities.
Yes, there are numerous scholarships and grants for students majoring in history. Awards are available for various specializations, including U.S. history, world history, archival research, and historical preservation. These programs recognize students who demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to studying the past.
The Gilder Lehrman History Scholar Award is a prestigious national award recognizing outstanding history students. Eligibility includes:
Recipients gain national recognition, financial awards, and opportunities to participate in historical events and conferences.
Yes, many scholarships are designed specifically for women pursuing degrees in history or related fields. Examples include:
These programs aim to promote gender equity and empower women to contribute to historical research and academia.
The National WWII Museum Student Scholarship honors students with a strong interest in World War II history. Eligibility requirements include:
Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and often include an invitation to visit the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
Yes, several programs support high school seniors who plan to study history in college. Examples include:
These scholarships encourage students to explore history early and pursue degrees in the humanities.
The American Historical Association (AHA) Research Grant supports original historical research conducted by undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility includes:
Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000 and may cover travel, archival access, or research materials.
Yes, students pursuing careers in public history or museum studies can apply for specialized funding opportunities, including:
These opportunities are ideal for students seeking hands-on experience in museums, archives, or cultural institutions.
The Organization of American Historians (OAH) Scholarship assists students specializing in U.S. history. Key details include:
Scholarship amounts vary, and recipients gain national recognition within the history community.
Yes, several corporations and foundations offer scholarships for history majors who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence. Examples include:
These programs often include professional networking, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities.
Many colleges and universities offer internal scholarships for history students. Examples include:
Students should contact their university’s history or humanities department for institution-specific opportunities.
Follow these steps to strengthen your scholarship applications:
Applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of securing funding for your history education.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.