Architecture programs produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $78,642 at top-performing institutions to $23,055 at entry-level programs. Across 98 programs, the median earnings of $54,763 demonstrates significant variation in program outcomes, with top-tier schools delivering career earnings substantially above the national average for this major.
Leading the list is California College Of The Arts, achieving the highest program earnings at $78,642. University Of Washington-Seattle Campus follows closely with $74,769, while University Of Notre Dame rounds out the top three at $71,931. These top-performing programs demonstrate how strategic program selection directly impacts long-term career trajectories in architecture.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Francisco, CA | $78,642 Median Architecture Earnings | $32,800 | 73.4% | 58.7% | |
| #2 | Seattle, WA | $74,769 Median Architecture Earnings | $6,398 | 42.5% | 83.7% | |
| #3 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | Notre Dame, IN | $71,931 Median Architecture Earnings | $8,873 | 12.4% | 96.8% |
| #4 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | San Francisco, CA | $70,929 Median Architecture Earnings | $31,741 | 50.8% | 71.1% |
| #5 | Pomona, CA | $70,577 Median Architecture Earnings | $7,599 | 73.7% | 66.7% | |
| #6 | Drexel UniversityPrivate | Philadelphia, PA | $70,265 Median Architecture Earnings | $27,737 | 77.5% | 77.1% |
| #7 | University Park, PA | $69,674 Median Architecture Earnings | $18,032 | 80.3% | 85.7% | |
| #8 | Troy, NY | $67,304 Median Architecture Earnings | $21,009 | 58.5% | 83.2% | |
| #9 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | Boston, MA | $65,680 Median Architecture Earnings | $5,900 | 5.7% | 90.4% |
| #10 | Kennesaw, GA | $64,348 Median Architecture Earnings | $13,754 | 69.2% | 48.1% | |
| #11 | University Of OregonPublic | Eugene, OR | $64,263 Median Architecture Earnings | $15,975 | 85.1% | 71.5% |
| #12 | Honolulu, HI | $63,779 Median Architecture Earnings | $7,397 | 69.7% | 62.6% | |
| #13 | College Park, MD | $63,218 Median Architecture Earnings | $3,603 | 44.8% | 88.6% | |
| #14 | Marywood UniversityPrivate | Scranton, PA | $63,044 Median Architecture Earnings | $19,389 | 83.7% | 72.5% |
| #15 | Amherst, MA | $62,915 Median Architecture Earnings | $11,103 | 57.8% | 83.2% | |
| #16 | Drury UniversityPrivate | Springfield, MO | $62,901 Median Architecture Earnings | $11,262 | — | 66.0% |
| #17 | Tallahassee, FL | $62,308 Median Architecture Earnings | $13,203 | 21.1% | 51.9% | |
| #18 | New Orleans, LA | $62,269 Median Architecture Earnings | $20,957 | 14.6% | 88.9% | |
| #19 | San Luis Obispo, CA | $61,659 Median Architecture Earnings | $6,476 | 29.8% | 85.2% | |
| #20 | Ann Arbor, MI | $60,947 Median Architecture Earnings | $4,926 | 17.9% | 93.2% |
