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Best Value Interior Architecture Colleges

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

California State University-Sacramento graduates earning $50,105 represent the highest income potential among Interior Architecture programs, despite carrying one of the lowest net costs at $10,512. This creates an unusual value equation where public universities dominate the affordable end while private institutions like Thomas Jefferson University command $28,163 in net costs for similar earning outcomes. The earnings spread across these 15 programs spans nearly $18,000, from Chatham University's $32,382 to Sacramento State's peak figure. Texas claims four spots in this ranking, reflecting the state's growing design and construction sectors that employ Interior Architecture graduates in residential and commercial projects. Acceptance rates vary dramatically from Auburn's selective 43.74% to La Roche University's open-access 97.36%, suggesting multiple pathways into the field. Graduation rates tell another story, with Miami University-Oxford achieving 81.80% completion compared to Stephen F Austin's 51.70%, indicating significant differences in student support and program structure across institutions.
47
Programs
$10,011 – $49,822
Net Price Range
$41,778
Avg. Program Earnings
63.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

47 Interior Architecture Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,512 $50,105 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
2 $11,234 $39,909 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
3 $14,352 $46,869 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
4 $15,235 $44,091 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
5 $15,152 $39,369 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
6 $16,025 $38,289 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
7 $17,424 $40,768 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
8 $20,015 $40,896 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
9 $21,972 $42,682 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
10 $23,897 $46,087 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
11 $20,071 $38,289 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
12 $20,918 $35,926 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
13 $28,163 $46,087 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
14 $27,662 $44,021 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
15 $25,717 $32,382 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
16 $41,026 $42,682 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
17 $46,253 $59,760 88.5% 17.4%
18 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
19 $27,514 $42,268 63.3% 64.0%
20 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
21 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
22 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
23 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
24 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
25 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
26 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
27 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
28 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
29 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
30 $28,248 $44,886 54.8% 62.6%
31 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
32 $34,089 $45,730 59.2% 91.2%
33 $30,982 $26,400 57.1% 95.5%
34 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
35 $49,822 $54,530 64.0% 79.0%
36 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
37 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
38 $21,782 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
39 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
40 $14,118 $10,418 52.0% 74.6%
41 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
42 $37,891 $26,800 38.5%
43 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
44 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
45 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
46 $14,224 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
47 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $40,000 earnings difference between the top and bottom programs?

California State University-Sacramento graduates earn $50,105 while Chatham University graduates average $32,382, creating a $17,723 gap. Regional job markets play a major role, as California's construction and design industries offer higher compensation than many other areas. Sacramento's proximity to both San Francisco's tech-driven design sector and the state's substantial residential development also contributes to stronger salary outcomes. Program focus and industry connections can further influence graduate earning potential.

How do public universities compare to private institutions for Interior Architecture value?

Public universities dominate the best value category, with eight of the top ten spots occupied by state schools. The University of Texas at San Antonio offers the second-lowest net cost at $11,234 while producing graduates earning $39,909. Private institutions like La Roche University and Thomas Jefferson University charge significantly more, with net costs of $21,972 and $28,163 respectively. However, Thomas Jefferson graduates match Auburn's earning potential at $46,087, suggesting some private programs deliver competitive outcomes.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in Interior Architecture?

Acceptance rates vary from Auburn's selective 43.74% to La Roche's 97.36%, but higher selectivity doesn't guarantee better value. Auburn graduates earn $46,087 with a 79.20% graduation rate, justifying its competitive admissions. However, Cal State Sacramento accepts 93.21% of applicants while producing the highest-earning graduates at $50,105. This suggests that program outcomes depend more on curriculum, faculty, and regional opportunities than admissions selectivity.

What graduation rates should students expect from Interior Architecture programs?

Graduation rates span from Stephen F Austin's 51.70% to Miami University-Oxford's 81.80%, indicating significant variation in student success. Programs with rates above 70% include LSU at 71.00%, Auburn at 79.20%, and Miami at 81.80%. Texas schools show mixed results, with UT-Arlington achieving 56.50% while Stephen F Austin struggles at 51.70%. Students should consider both cost and completion rates when evaluating program value.

Where do Interior Architecture graduates find the best earning potential?

California leads with Sacramento State graduates earning $50,105, followed by Texas programs at University of North Texas ($46,869) and UT-Arlington ($44,091). Auburn University and Thomas Jefferson University also reach $46,087 in graduate earnings. Geographic location influences salary potential, with California's solid construction sector and Texas's growing metropolitan areas creating strong demand. Pennsylvania programs show mixed results, with Thomas Jefferson succeeding while Chatham University lags significantly.

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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.