Cheapest Architectural History and Criticism Colleges

Rice University delivers the nation's most affordable net price for Architectural History and Criticism at $12,640, despite charging $58,128 in sticker price. This Texas institution's generous financial aid creates a $45,488 gap between published costs and what students actually pay. The program sits within Houston's construction boom, where architectural firms like Gensler and SOM maintain major offices serving the nation's fourth-largest city. Public universities show mixed affordability, with University of Washington offering $13,485 net costs while University of Virginia reaches $22,881. Private colleges dominate the field, with elite institutions like Amherst and Vanderbilt providing substantial need-based aid that brings costs below many state schools. Regional job markets matter significantly in this field, as graduates often work for architecture firms, museums, and preservation organizations concentrated in major metropolitan areas.

Programs

$12,640 – $45,450

Net Price Range

$39,230

Avg. Program Earnings

82.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Architectural History and Criticism Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Rice University Houston, Texas	$12,640	$58,128	95.7%	8.7%
2	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
3	University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas	$17,365	$11,700	68.8%	87.8%
4	Amherst College Amherst, Massachusetts	$18,246	$67,280	93.4%	7.3%
5	Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee	$19,040	$63,946	92.7%	6.7%
6	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, Virginia	$22,881	$20,986	95.3%	18.7%
7	Smith College Northampton, Massachusetts	$26,181	$61,568	89.7%	22.9%
8	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
9	DePaul University Chicago, Illinois	$29,141	$44,460	70.0%	70.2%
10	University of San Diego San Diego, California	$31,265	$56,444	81.6%	52.6%
11	Belmont University Nashville, Tennessee	$32,096	$41,320	71.7%	96.3%
12	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
13	Cornell University Ithaca, New York	$32,337	$66,014	95.1%	7.5%
14	Lehigh University Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	$33,549	$62,180	89.2%	37.0%
15	College of the Holy Cross Worcester, Massachusetts	$36,868	$60,850	89.6%	36.4%
16	Roger Williams University Bristol, Rhode Island	$38,123	$42,666	66.6%	91.0%
17	Cornish College of the Arts Seattle, Washington	$39,060	$39,913	52.0%	71.1%
18	Barnard College New York, New York	$39,253	$66,246	92.9%	8.8%
19	Endicott College Beverly, Massachusetts	$39,324	$39,212	75.4%	73.3%
20	Syracuse University Syracuse, New York	$41,026	$63,061	81.4%	51.8%
21	Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, Georgia	$45,450	$40,595	70.5%	81.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rice University's program so affordable despite its high sticker price?

Rice charges $58,128 in tuition and fees but offers a net price of just $12,640 through generous financial aid packages. This creates a $45,488 difference between published costs and actual student payments. The university's large endowment allows it to meet full demonstrated need for most students. Rice's 95.70% graduation rate suggests students successfully complete their studies despite the rigorous 8.68% acceptance rate.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions for this major?

Public universities show wide variation, with University of Washington at $13,485 net cost and University of Virginia at $22,881. University of Kansas offers the lowest in-state tuition at $11,700 but has a higher net price of $17,365 when room and board are included. Private colleges like Amherst and Vanderbilt actually cost less than many public options after financial aid, with net prices around $18,000-$19,000.

What earning potential exists for Architectural History and Criticism graduates?

Available salary data shows a range from $26,353 to $52,107, reflecting the field's varied career paths. DePaul University graduates earn $26,353 on average, while University of San Diego alumni reach $52,107. Career outcomes vary significantly based on location and sector, with museum work, architectural firms, and preservation organizations offering different compensation levels. The field often requires advanced degrees for higher-paying positions.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program affordability in this field?

The most selective schools often provide the best financial aid, creating an inverse relationship between acceptance rates and net costs. Rice accepts 8.68% of applicants but offers the lowest net price at $12,640. Amherst admits just 7.26% yet costs only $18,246 after aid. Meanwhile, Belmont University accepts 96.27% of students but charges $32,096 net, showing how exclusivity can actually improve affordability.

Where do the strongest regional job markets exist for this major?

Major metropolitan areas with significant architectural activity provide the most opportunities, including Houston, Seattle, Boston, and Nashville represented in these programs. Houston's energy sector drives commercial construction, while Seattle's tech boom creates demand for both new buildings and historic preservation. Boston's concentration of museums, universities, and historic sites supports various career paths. Regional preferences often influence where graduates establish their careers after completing their studies.

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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.