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 gives you a mixed financial picture that leans risky. You pay a net price near $38,000 a year, and only 38.5% of students finish. That combination is the core problem: if you borrow to attend and don't graduate, you carry debt with no degree to pay it back.
The two bachelor's programs listed, Architecture and Environmental Design, both pay under $57,000 ten years out. Architecture pays the most but also loads you with the heaviest debt at $46,000, which is more than the median $37,250 across the school. Environmental Design pays slightly less with no debt figure shown. Neither degree produces the earnings that make Boston-area living costs comfortable, and architecture is a licensure field where early-career pay stays flat for years.
The specific risk here is retention. Only 61% of students come back for a second year, so nearly four in ten leave early. Leaving with partial credits and any borrowed money is the worst outcome, and the numbers say that happens often at this school.
The net price tiers work against lower-income families in a strange way. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $36,600. But families in the $30,000 to $48,000 band pay more, roughly $47,000, higher than any other tier shown. If you fall in that middle-income range, this school costs you the most out of pocket.
This school fits you if you are committed to architecture, confident you'll finish, and have family support that keeps borrowing low. Look elsewhere if you need strong first-salary numbers to justify the price, or if the $37,000-plus yearly cost forces heavy loans. The graduation and retention odds make that gamble hard to recommend.
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.