Best Historic Preservation and Conservation institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 59 U.S. colleges offering Historic Preservation and Conservation by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 30 states.
About Historic Preservation and Conservation programs
The Historic Preservation and Conservation program focuses on preserving, conserving, and protecting buildings, landscapes, and artifacts of historical significance. This interdisciplinary field combines elements of history, archaeology, and sociology to ensure that our cultural heritage is maintained for future generations. It is ideal for students passionate about history and dedicated to safeguarding the built environment.
Students in this program will develop essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and research methodologies. Coursework typically includes gathering and analyzing historical data, preparing publications, and conducting research related to the conservation of historic places and materials.
Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Charleston Charleston, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,326 | 26 | 66% | — | $22,375 |
Offered across 30 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolinalimited | 2 | $35,326 | College of Charleston |
| Alabamalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| California | 4 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Georgia | 3 | — | — |
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indiana | 4 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Mississippilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 2 | — | — |
| New York | 5 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohio | 4 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Rhode Island | 3 | — | — |
| Texas | 3 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 2 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3093, Historians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Historic Preservation and Conservation program can pursue careers in various fields, including cultural resource management and policy analysis. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.2% and approximately 300 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $74,050, with a typical requirement of a master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Historic Preservation and Conservation programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
- Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
- Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.
- Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as via storage media or the Internet.
- Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
- Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Historic Preservation and Conservation
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Historic Preservation and Conservation, GeneralCIP 30.1201
A program that focuses on the design and implementation of plans to restore and maintain historic buildings, districts, and landscapes in a way that balances conservation and preservation with commerc
- Cultural Resource Management and Policy AnalysisCIP 30.1202
A program that focuses on the application of cultural studies, public policy analysis, and management skills to planning, promoting, and implementing programs to preserve and protect cultural heritage
- Historic Preservation and Conservation, OtherCIP 30.1299
Any instructional program that focuses on architectural design and building techniques for historic and restored structures not listed above.
Common questions
What is Historic Preservation and Conservation?+
It is a field focused on preserving and protecting historically significant buildings, landscapes, and artifacts.
What skills will I gain from this program?+
You will develop skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and data analysis.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.2% and 300 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
Most positions in this field require a master's degree.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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