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Architectural Sciences and Technology Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Rice University delivers architectural sciences education at a $12,640 net price that rivals many public institutions, while maintaining a 95.70% graduation rate that towers above the national average. This private Houston school accepts just 8.68% of applicants yet offers one of the most affordable pathways into architectural technology among elite institutions. Public universities dominate this field with 13 of the top 15 programs charging under $16,000 annually. CUNY schools lead affordability with net costs starting at $3,486, providing New York students direct access to the city's massive construction and design sector. University of Washington graduates command the highest starting salaries at $72,134, reflecting strong demand for architectural technologists in the Pacific Northwest's booming tech and development markets. The construction industry employs over 7.6 million Americans, with architectural technologists serving as critical bridges between design concepts and buildable structures.
29
Programs
$3,486 – $19,353
Net Price Range
$52,102
Avg. Program Earnings
64.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Architectural Sciences and Technology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
2 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
3 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
4 $11,353 $8,618 23.3%
5 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
6 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
7 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
8 $13,289 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
9 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
10 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
11 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
12 $15,201 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
13 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
14 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
15 $15,624 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
16 $15,960 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
17 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
18 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
19 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
20 $16,496 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
21 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
22 $17,387 $8,710 48.0% 83.2%
23 $17,413 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
24 $17,478 $8,115 52.5% 96.1%
25 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
26 $18,219 $9,299 59.6% 86.1%
27 $18,597 $33,710 65.9% 91.3%
28 $19,133 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
29 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University competitive with public schools for architectural sciences?

Rice charges a $12,640 net price while maintaining a 95.70% graduation rate, significantly outperforming most public alternatives. The university accepts only 8.68% of applicants, creating an elite learning environment at public school pricing. Rice's Houston location provides direct access to one of America's largest construction markets. Students benefit from the combination of rigorous academics and extensive industry connections throughout Texas.

How do CUNY schools make architectural technology accessible in New York?

CUNY City College offers the lowest net cost at $3,486, making architectural sciences education accessible to working-class students. CUNY NYC College of Technology graduates earn $42,235 starting salaries with manageable debt loads of $14,692. Both schools maintain acceptance rates above 66%, providing realistic admission chances for motivated students. The Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses connect students directly to New York's construction industry.

Is the University of Washington worth the higher cost for architectural sciences?

Washington graduates earn $72,134 annually, the highest in this field, justifying the $13,485 net cost. The 83.70% graduation rate demonstrates strong student support and program quality. Average debt of $18,977 remains manageable given the salary potential in Seattle's construction boom. The university's 47.52% acceptance rate provides reasonable admission chances for qualified candidates.

Does Georgia Tech offer good value despite its competitive admission?

Georgia Tech accepts only 17.13% of applicants but delivers a 92.30% graduation rate at a $13,289 net cost. The Atlanta location provides access to one of the Southeast's largest construction markets. Students benefit from the institute's engineering reputation and extensive industry partnerships. The combination of academic rigor and career placement justifies the competitive admission process.

Where can students find the most affordable architectural sciences programs?

CUNY schools offer the lowest costs, with City College at $3,486 and NYC College of Technology at $4,783 net prices. University of Maine Augusta charges $11,353 but offers in-state tuition of just $8,618. Western Kentucky provides solid value at $10,916 with a 53.70% graduation rate and 96.95% acceptance rate. These options ensure geographic diversity for budget-conscious students nationwide.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.