Compare 17 Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $74,283. Top programs: $115,589+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians tells a different story. Across 17 programs, earnings range from $37,208 to $115,589—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The $78K spread between the best and worst programs makes a compelling case for evaluating programs on their own merits.
Topping the list, California State University Maritime Academy delivers $115,589 in median earnings—well above the $74,283 field average. Notably, Jacksonville State University, a regional public in Alabama, ranks third with graduates earning $92,358, outpacing many better-known institutions. Purdue University-Main Campus slots in at #2 with $97,594, reinforcing that program-level outcomes, not school name, drive results.
Debt burden matters as much as earnings. Purdue's Architectural Engineering program graduates borrow $19,500 in student loans and face just a 3.6% payment burden—firmly 'Excellent' by GPS standards. For families factoring in parent loans, Jacksonville State leads: a 7.4% combined burden also rated 'Excellent,' meaning loan payments remain easily manageable relative to graduates' post-degree income.
Highest program earnings: $115,589
Strong outcomes ($115,589) with 95% acceptance rate
3.6% payment burden | Excellent
7.4% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $115,589 | 15 | $24,965 | Excellent | $38,432 | Good | |
| #2 | $97,594 | 105 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #3 | $92,358 | 29 | $22,189 | Excellent | $13,672 | Excellent | |
| #4 | East Carolina UniversityPublic | $87,848 | 123 | $22,750 | Excellent | $19,710 | Good |
| #5 | $87,114 | 38 | $20,000 | Excellent | $17,205 | Good | |
| #6 | Shawnee State UniversityPublic | $84,015 | 16 | $23,000 | Excellent | $17,366 | Good |
| #7 | $82,848 | 98 | $22,500 | Excellent | $14,301 | Good | |
| #8 | Old Dominion UniversityPublic | $81,077 | 141 | $24,000 | Excellent | $18,866 | Good |
| #9 | $77,899 | 11 | $27,000 | Excellent | $24,886 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $75,677 | 72 | $25,000 | Excellent | $25,947 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $74,974 | 22 | $27,000 | Excellent | $20,004 | Manageable | |
| #12 | Keene State CollegePublic | $61,991 | 15 | $25,749 | Good | $37,874 | Challenging |
| #13 | University Of HartfordPrivate | $60,715 | 24 | $27,000 | Good | $44,000 | High |
| #14 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $54,031 | 13 | $21,000 | Good | $14,849 | Manageable |
| #15 | Berklee College Of MusicPrivate | $48,069 | 174 | $25,000 | Manageable | $87,996 | High |
| #16 | $43,798 | 37 | $14,718 | Good | $18,349 | Challenging | |
| #17 | Vermont State UniversityPublic | $37,208 | 9 | $15,000 | Manageable | $14,735 | High |
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 →
