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Best Value Architecture Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Architecture graduates from public universities face wildly different financial outcomes despite similar degree requirements. Students at UC Berkeley earn $51,273 annually but pay $14,979 net costs, while University of Florida graduates make $28,598 with just $6,351 in net expenses. The Southwest and California regions dominate high-earning programs, reflecting strong construction markets and tech company campus development projects. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo leads in graduate earnings at $55,884, matching Oklahoma State's salary figures despite vastly different regional economies. Georgia Tech and UC Berkeley achieve over 90% graduation rates while maintaining strong earning potential above $50,000. Florida Atlantic University offers a middle path with $43,798 earnings and moderate $8,001 costs. The 17% acceptance rate at Georgia Tech contrasts sharply with Portland State's 93% acceptance, yet both produce working architects. Regional job markets significantly impact these outcomes, with West Coast programs benefiting from tech industry expansion and sustainable design initiatives.
50
Programs
$6,351 – $23,897
Net Price Range
$44,474
Avg. Program Earnings
69.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Architecture Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,001 $43,798 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
2 $11,580 $55,286 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
3 $6,351 $28,598 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
4 $10,011 $39,369 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
5 $13,289 $50,856 $11,764 92.3% 17.1%
6 $13,485 $49,136 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
7 $15,624 $55,884 $11,075 85.2% 30.4%
8 $13,853 $49,019 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
9 $14,979 $51,273 $14,850 92.9% 11.3%
10 $16,378 $55,286 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
11 $15,501 $52,107 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
12 $12,932 $41,007 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
13 $12,313 $39,009 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
14 $14,745 $45,852 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
15 $11,234 $34,814 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
16 $16,972 $52,107 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
17 $15,590 $46,087 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
18 $14,401 $41,937 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
19 $16,931 $49,019 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
20 $16,496 $47,611 $19,022 73.1% 66.0%
21 $15,235 $43,798 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
22 $17,413 $49,962 $9,595 75.3% 72.9%
23 $15,960 $45,696 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
24 $10,082 $28,598 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
25 $14,041 $39,729 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
26 $19,678 $54,570 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
27 $18,165 $50,060 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
28 $14,832 $39,369 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
29 $13,670 $35,954 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
30 $18,109 $47,260 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
31 $17,525 $44,755 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
32 $19,353 $48,988 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
33 $16,177 $40,791 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
34 $16,177 $40,672 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
35 $15,015 $36,488 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
36 $17,139 $41,044 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
37 $20,709 $48,823 $44,360 56.0% 75.7%
38 $15,201 $35,810 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
39 $20,015 $46,924 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
40 $15,847 $36,674 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
41 $21,782 $50,141 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
42 $20,924 $47,260 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
43 $14,013 $31,305 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
44 $18,292 $40,728 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
45 $21,523 $47,650 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
46 $23,790 $51,960 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
47 $23,897 $52,107 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
48 $19,133 $41,565 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
49 $13,782 $29,685 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
50 $22,222 $47,260 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cal Poly San Luis Obispo worth its $15,624 net cost?

Graduates earn $55,884 annually, the highest among all programs listed. The 85.2% graduation rate indicates strong student support and program completion. Despite higher costs than many alternatives, the earning potential creates favorable long-term value. The program's location provides access to California's active construction and design markets.

How do Florida schools compare in architecture value?

University of Florida offers the lowest net cost at $6,351 but graduates earn only $28,598 annually. Florida Atlantic University costs $8,001 but produces significantly higher earnings at $43,798. The $1,650 cost difference translates to $15,200 more in annual earning potential. Both maintain reasonable debt loads under $31,000.

Is Georgia Tech worth the competitive admission process?

The 17.13% acceptance rate reflects high selectivity, but graduates earn $50,856 annually. The 92.3% graduation rate shows students who gain admission typically complete the program successfully. Net costs of $13,289 remain reasonable for the earning potential delivered. The Atlanta location provides access to major architectural firms and urban development projects.

Does University of Washington provide good value for out-of-state students?

Out-of-state costs push expenses higher than the $13,485 net price for residents. However, graduates earn $49,136 annually with relatively low $19,748 debt loads. The 83.7% graduation rate indicates strong program quality and student success. Seattle's growing tech sector creates demand for corporate and residential architecture services.

Where can students find the best debt-to-income ratios?

UC Berkeley graduates carry just $15,000 in debt while earning $51,273, creating the most favorable ratio. University of Florida produces the second-best ratio with $18,953 debt and $28,598 earnings. University of Washington follows with $19,748 debt against $49,136 salaries. These three programs minimize financial burden while maintaining earning potential.

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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.