2026 Best Value Historic Preservation Schools

1

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

Our analysis ranked University Of Georgia the best value for a degree in historic preservation in the United States. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete the historic preservation program here. Historic Preservation graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $49,925 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%.

2

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Delaware earned it the #2 place for historic preservation. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,861 to complete the historic preservation program here. Early-career historic preservation graduates make about $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

University Of Kentucky came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value historic preservation schools. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for historic preservation graduates is $24,094. Early-career historic preservation graduates make about $49,568. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants.

4

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Students looking for strong value in historic preservation will find it at Southeast Missouri State University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. Historic Preservation graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Soon after graduation, historic preservation degree recipients from Southeast Missouri State University generally make around $43,255. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

5

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD

Students looking for strong value in historic preservation will find it at Johns Hopkins University, which ranked #5. Johns Hopkins University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Typical student debt for historic preservation graduates is $13,426. Historic Preservation graduates of Johns Hopkins University earn a median of $84,850 early in their careers. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted.

6

College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC

College Of Charleston earned the #6 position for value in historic preservation this year. College Of Charleston is a large public school located in the city of Charleston. Students from in state pay about $12,978 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,296. Students borrow a median of $22,375 to complete the historic preservation program here. Soon after graduation, historic preservation degree recipients from College Of Charleston generally make around $35,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

7

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

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value historic preservation schools. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete the historic preservation program here. Early-career historic preservation graduates make about $53,920. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants.

8

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Clemson University came in at #8 for value in historic preservation this year. Clemson University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Clemson. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Typical student debt for historic preservation graduates is $23,783. Early-career historic preservation graduates make about $53,834. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

University Of Mary Washington earned the #9 position for value in historic preservation this year. Set in the suburb of Fredericksburg, University Of Mary Washington is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,905, while out-of-state students pay about $28,083. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the historic preservation program here. Historic Preservation graduates of University Of Mary Washington earn a median of $43,243 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mary Washington admits about 80% of applicants.