Compare 16 Architectural Engineering. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $85,763. Top programs: $97,759+.
The highest-earning Architectural Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $35K earnings gap across 16 programs—from $63K to $98K—the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Auburn University tops the list, not a household-name private university. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Auburn University leads all Architectural Engineering programs with graduates earning $98K—well above the $86K field average. Penn State follows at $94K, with UT Austin close behind at $94K. All three are public universities, reinforcing that program outcomes in this field track program quality, not private-school prestige.
For students borrowing independently, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo delivers the strongest affordability: $18,500 in student debt and just a 3.6% payment burden—an 'Excellent' GPS rating meaning loan payments take a minimal cut of post-grad income. For families factoring in parent loans, University of Wyoming leads with an 8.4% family burden, rated 'Good,' on $34K in combined debt.
Highest program earnings: $97,759
Strong outcomes ($94,483) with 91% acceptance
3.6% payment burden | Excellent
8.4% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $97,759 | 138 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Manageable |
| #2 | $94,483 | 92 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $93,710 | 52 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Good | |
| #4 | $92,767 | 39 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #5 | $92,687 | 36 | $21,250 | Excellent | $23,602 | Good | |
| #6 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $91,336 | 38 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Good |
| #7 | $89,797 | 44 | $19,500 | Excellent | $46,340 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $88,756 | 24 | $27,000 | Excellent | $34,081 | Manageable | |
| #9 | Drexel UniversityPrivate | $85,839 | 37 | $25,325 | Excellent | $40,932 | Manageable |
| #10 | $85,754 | 31 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,462 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $85,112 | 13 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,567 | Challenging | |
| #12 | University Of KansasPublic | $84,319 | 33 | $21,000 | Excellent | $32,347 | Manageable |
| #13 | University Of WyomingPublic | $82,143 | 16 | $18,000 | Excellent | $16,000 | Good |
| #14 | $73,826 | 28 | $27,000 | Excellent | $20,004 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $70,912 | 19 | $22,934 | Excellent | $14,224 | Good | |
| #16 | $63,005 | 13 | — | — | — | — |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
