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Cheapest Interior Architecture Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Interior Architecture programs showcase remarkable value differences across public universities, with costs spanning from $10,011 at University of Nevada-Las Vegas to $15,152 at Stephen F Austin State University. California State University-Sacramento graduates earn $50,105 annually while maintaining relatively low debt levels of $16,500, creating one of the strongest return-on-investment profiles in the field. The Southwest and West Coast lead affordability rankings, reflecting regional construction booms that drive demand for interior architecture professionals in commercial and residential projects. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with in-state tuition often dropping below $10,000 annually. Graduation rates vary significantly from 37.2% at Lamar University to 83.7% at University of Washington-Seattle, suggesting program structure and support systems impact student success beyond just cost considerations.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,011 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
2 $10,512 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
3 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
4 $11,234 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
5 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
6 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
7 $12,209 $10,125 57.6% 62.4%
8 $12,869 $9,228 57.3% 93.7%
9 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
10 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
11 $13,853 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
12 $14,118 $10,418 52.0% 74.6%
13 $14,224 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
14 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
15 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
16 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
17 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
18 $15,501 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
19 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
20 $16,025 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
21 $17,424 $10,108 65.8% 78.6%
22 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
23 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
24 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
25 $20,015 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
26 $20,071 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
27 $20,332 $12,896 66.9% 90.8%
28 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
29 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
30 $21,782 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
31 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
32 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
33 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
34 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
35 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
36 $27,514 $42,268 63.3% 64.0%
37 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
38 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
39 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%
40 $28,248 $44,886 54.8% 62.6%
41 $30,982 $26,400 57.1% 95.5%
42 $33,995 $41,872 62.6% 81.9%
43 $34,089 $45,730 59.2% 91.2%
44 $37,891 $26,800 38.5%
45 $41,026 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%
46 $46,253 $59,760 88.5% 17.4%
47 $49,822 $54,530 64.0% 79.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $40,000+ earnings gap between top and bottom Interior Architecture programs?

California State University-Sacramento graduates earn $50,105 annually compared to $39,369 at Stephen F Austin State University, reflecting regional market conditions and program focus. West Coast metropolitan areas typically offer higher starting salaries due to elevated construction costs and luxury residential markets. Sacramento's proximity to San Francisco's design industry creates additional career opportunities that boost earning potential. Program partnerships with local firms and internship quality also influence graduate outcomes significantly.

How do acceptance rates relate to program quality in affordable Interior Architecture schools?

University of Washington-Seattle maintains a 47.52% acceptance rate while achieving an 83.7% graduation rate, indicating selective admissions correlate with student success. University of Southern Mississippi accepts 98.84% of applicants but graduates only 50.6%, suggesting open enrollment policies may not guarantee completion. Louisiana Tech University balances both factors with 62.37% acceptance and 57.6% graduation rates. Selective programs often provide better student support and industry connections that improve retention.

Is the $29,650 debt level at University of Texas-San Antonio concerning for Interior Architecture majors?

With graduates earning $39,909 annually, the debt-to-income ratio remains manageable at approximately 74% of first-year salary. Interior Architecture professionals typically see salary growth within 3-5 years as they develop specialized expertise in commercial or residential design. The San Antonio market offers entry-level positions in hospitality design and healthcare facilities that provide career advancement opportunities. Students should compare this debt load to California State University-Sacramento's $16,500 average for better financial planning.

Where do Nevada and Utah rank among the most cost-effective Interior Architecture programs?

University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers the lowest net cost at $10,011, making it the most affordable option nationwide for this major. Utah State University ranks eighth at $12,869 net cost while maintaining a strong 57.3% graduation rate. Both states benefit from growing construction markets in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City that create internship and job opportunities. Nevada residents pay just $9,142 in-state tuition, representing strong value for a field with strong regional employment prospects.

Does University of Washington-Seattle justify higher costs through superior outcomes?

At $13,485 net cost, Washington commands a premium but delivers an 83.7% graduation rate compared to the 50-60% range at most affordable alternatives. The Seattle location provides access to major architecture firms, tech company headquarters requiring interior design services, and sustainable building initiatives. Students benefit from proximity to the Pacific Northwest's design industry and green building movement. The higher cost reflects both program quality and the expensive Seattle market, but career opportunities often justify the investment.

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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.