At $37,891/yr net price, Boston Architectural College graduates earn $62,123/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,123/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $37,891 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $151,564 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,123/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,123/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $37,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $36,638/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $47,152/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $41,152/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture. | Master | $64,068 | $64,681 |
| Interior Architecture. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $56,931 | $46,000 |
| Environmental Design. | Bachelor | $53,358 | |
| Environmental Design. | Master | $50,856 |
The Risk Factor
38.5% of students at Boston Architectural College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Boston Architectural College delivers weak financial returns that should give you pause before enrolling. With median earnings of $62,123 ten years after graduation and a net price of $37,891 per year, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most families can comfortably manage.
The school's 38.5% graduation rate creates immediate red flags about your chances of completing your degree. Even if you do graduate, the debt burden varies dramatically by program. Architecture majors face particularly brutal economics, with some carrying $64,681 in debt for median earnings of $64,068. You'll essentially be working your first year just to service student loans.
Interior Architecture offers slightly better prospects at $58,221 in median earnings, while Environmental Design programs cluster around $50,000-$53,000. These lower-earning majors make the debt load even more problematic. The 61% retention rate suggests many students realize the financial math doesn't work and transfer out.
Only 20.2% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited institutional support for making the program affordable. This makes Boston Architectural College a reasonable choice only if your family can pay most costs upfront or if you have strong career connections in Boston's architecture market that justify the premium.
You should look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid, want strong graduation odds, or lack family wealth to buffer the high costs. The combination of poor completion rates, high debt loads, and modest earning potential creates substantial financial risk that few students can safely absorb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston Architectural College worth the cost compared to other architecture schools?
Boston Architectural College's graduates earn $62,123 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for architecture programs. With a net price of $37,891 per year and a 38.5% graduation rate, the return on investment is weaker than most competitors.
What are the job prospects and salaries for Boston Architectural College graduates?
Architecture graduates from Boston Architectural College typically earn $64,068, while Interior Architecture graduates earn $58,221. Environmental Design graduates see lower returns at around $50,856 to $53,358, making debt repayment more challenging in these fields.
How much debt do Boston Architectural College students typically graduate with?
The median debt at Boston Architectural College is $37,250. Given the relatively low graduate earnings of $62,123, this debt load represents a significant financial burden that may take many years to repay.
Should I attend Boston Architectural College if I want to study architecture?
Boston Architectural College has a concerning 38.5% graduation rate and below-average earnings for graduates. Consider state schools or programs with better graduation rates and job placement records before committing to this level of debt.