Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Degree Return on Investment

Select an institution that offers degrees in Art History, Criticism, and Conservation and see the return on investment for jobs in that field.

Academy of Art University Adelphi University Baldwin Wallace University Barnard College Baylor University Belmont University Beloit College Bennington College Berea College Birmingham Southern College Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Boise State University Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Bowling Green State University – Main Campus Brandeis University Brigham Young University – Provo Brown University California State Polytechnic University – Pomona Carleton College Carthage College Case Western Reserve University Central Michigan University Chapman University Claremont McKenna College Coe College Colby College College of Charleston Colorado College Columbia College – Chicago Columbus State University Connecticut College Cornell College Cornell University CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College CUNY Brooklyn College CUNY City College CUNY Hunter College CUNY Queens College Dartmouth College Denison University DePaul University DePauw University Drexel University Duquesne University Emory University Fairfield University Flagler College – St Augustine Florida International University Florida State University Fordham University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University Grand Valley State University Hamilton College Hamline University Hampshire College Hartwick College Harvard University Hobart William Smith Colleges Indiana University – Bloomington Indiana University – Purdue University – Indianapolis Ithaca College James Madison University John Carroll University Johns Hopkins University Kalamazoo College Kent State University at Kent Knox College La Salle University Lawrence University Lehigh University Lincoln Memorial University Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Macalester College Manhattan College Manhattanville College Mansfield University of Pennsylvania Marist College Marymount Manhattan College Massachusetts College of Art and Design McDaniel College Miami University – Oxford Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Middlebury College Minnesota State University – Mankato Missouri State University – Springfield Muhlenberg College Nazareth College New York University North Central College Northern Illinois University Northern Michigan University Northwestern University Oberlin College Ohio State University – Main Campus Ohio University – Main Campus Ohio Wesleyan University Oklahoma State University – Main Campus Old Dominion University Pace University – New York Pacific Lutheran University Pepperdine University Plymouth State University Portland State University Pratt Institute – Main Princeton University Providence College Purdue University – Main Campus Randolph – Macon College Regis University Rollins College Rutgers University – Camden Rutgers University – New Brunswick Saint Ambrose University Saint Cloud State University Saint Louis University Saint Peter’s University Salem College Salem State University Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art and Design Seattle Pacific University Seton Hill University Skidmore College Smith College South Dakota State University Southern Connecticut State University Southern Illinois University – Carbondale Southern Methodist University Southern Utah University Southwestern University St Bonaventure University St Mary’s College of Maryland Stanford University Stephen F Austin State University Stony Brook University SUNY at Albany SUNY at Binghamton SUNY at Purchase College Susquehanna University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Temple University Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Tech University The College of New Jersey The New School The University of Alabama Thomas More College Towson University Transylvania University Trinity College Truman State University Tufts University University at Buffalo University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Arizona University of California – Berkeley University of California – Davis University of California – Irvine University of California – Los Angeles University of California – Riverside University of California – San Diego University of California – Santa Barbara University of California – Santa Cruz University of Central Oklahoma University of Chicago University of Cincinnati – Main Campus University of Colorado Boulder University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Denver University of Evansville University of Florida University of Georgia University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Houston University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Louisville University of Maryland – College Park University of Massachusetts – Amherst University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth University of Memphis University of Miami University of Michigan – Ann Arbor University of Michigan – Dearborn University of Minnesota – Morris University of Minnesota – Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of Missouri – Kansas City University of Missouri – St Louis University of Nebraska – Lincoln University of Nebraska at Omaha University of Nevada – Las Vegas University of Nevada – Reno University of New Mexico – Main Campus University of New Orleans University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of North Carolina Wilmington University of North Florida University of North Texas University of Northern Iowa University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma – Norman Campus University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus University of Richmond University of Rochester University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne University of Saint Joseph University of San Francisco University of South Carolina – Columbia University of South Florida – Main Campus University of Southern California University of Tulsa University of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia – Main Campus University of Washington – Seattle Campus University of Wisconsin – Madison University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee University of Wyoming Utah Valley University Vanderbilt University Virginia Commonwealth University Wake Forest University Washington University in St Louis Wayne State University Wesleyan University West Virginia University Western Kentucky University Western Washington University Wheaton College William Paterson University of New Jersey Williams College Wright State University – Main Campus Yale University

Investing in an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation degree is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about enhancing your career prospects and ensuring a solid return on investment (ROI). As the art world continues to flourish, professionals with specialized skills in art history, criticism, and conservation are increasingly in demand. This degree equips graduates with a unique blend of analytical skills, historical knowledge, and practical expertise essential for various roles in galleries, museums, and conservation organizations.

The ROI of this degree can be measured in several ways. Firstly, graduates often find lucrative job opportunities in art institutions, cultural heritage organizations, and educational institutions. Positions such as art curators, conservators, or art critics offer competitive salaries that reflect the valuable insights and skills these professionals bring to their roles. According to recent statistics, individuals with a degree in Art History can earn a significant income above the national average, translating to a healthy financial return over time.

Moreover, this degree opens doors to interdisciplinary fields such as education, tourism, and public policy, amplifying your marketability. The skills acquired—critical thinking, research, and effective communication—are transferable and sought after in many industries, further enhancing your career trajectory.

Additionally, the personal satisfaction that comes from working within the art sector should not be overlooked. Speaking passionately about art history and contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage provides a sense of fulfillment that complements financial gains. The connections made and the insights gained throughout your studies can lead to a robust professional network that enriches your career.

In summary, an Art History, Criticism, and Conservation degree is a strategic investment in both your future and the cultural landscape. By combining passion with practical skills, you position yourself as a valuable asset in a growing industry, ensuring not only returns in terms of salary but also in personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Student loan situations can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, and decisions around deferment or forbearance can have lasting financial impacts. Before making any changes to your loan repayment plan, consult a qualified financial advisor or your loan servicer to understand the best options for your unique situation.

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