2026 Best Value Historic Preservation & Conservation Schools

1

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

University Of Georgia earned the #1 spot for value among historic preservation & conservation schools in the United States. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical student debt for historic preservation & conservation graduates is $21,792. Early-career historic preservation & conservation graduates make about $49,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

2

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

University Of Delaware is a great value for students pursuing a degree in historic preservation & conservation, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Delaware is a very large public school located in the suburb of Newark. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,861 to complete the historic preservation & conservation program here. Soon after graduation, historic preservation & conservation degree recipients from University Of Delaware generally make around $54,155. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.

3

University Of Kentucky
Lexington, KY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Kentucky earned it the #3 place for historic preservation & conservation. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical student debt for historic preservation & conservation graduates is $24,094. Early-career historic preservation & conservation graduates make about $49,568. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

4

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Missouri State University earned it the #4 place for historic preservation & conservation. Set in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,903. Students borrow a median of $23,289 to complete the historic preservation & conservation program here. Soon after graduation, historic preservation & conservation degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University generally make around $43,255. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

5

College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Charleston earned it the #5 place for historic preservation & conservation. Set in the city of Charleston, College Of Charleston is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,978 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,296 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for historic preservation & conservation graduates is $22,375. Historic Preservation & Conservation graduates of College Of Charleston earn a median of $35,326 early in their careers. Set against $22,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College Of Charleston admits about 60% of applicants.

6

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York earned the #6 position for value in historic preservation & conservation this year. Located in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete the historic preservation & conservation program here. Early-career historic preservation & conservation graduates make about $53,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants.

7

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value historic preservation & conservation schools. Located in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical student debt for historic preservation & conservation graduates is $23,783. Historic Preservation & Conservation graduates of Clemson University earn a median of $53,834 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

University Of Mary Washington ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value historic preservation & conservation schools. Located in the suburb of Fredericksburg, University Of Mary Washington is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,905 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,083. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the historic preservation & conservation program here. Early-career historic preservation & conservation graduates make about $43,243. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.