2026 Best Value Historic Preservation Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

For return on investment in historic preservation, no school beat University Of Delaware this year. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for historic preservation graduates is $24,861. Soon after graduation, historic preservation degree recipients from University Of Delaware generally make around $54,155. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

2

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Missouri State University earned it the #2 place for historic preservation. Located in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Historic Preservation graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Historic Preservation graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $43,255 early in their careers. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

3

College Of Charleston
Charleston, SC

College Of Charleston came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value historic preservation schools. Set in the city of Charleston, College Of Charleston is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,978, 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. That is a strong return on a $22,375 median debt. College Of Charleston admits about 60% of applicants.

4

University Of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA

A rank of #4 makes University Of Mary Washington one of the best values for historic preservation. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $28,083. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the historic preservation program here. Soon after graduation, historic preservation degree recipients from University Of Mary Washington generally make around $43,243. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.