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.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #101 | Champaign, IL | $41,102 Median Architecture Earnings | $3,883 | 43.7% | 84.9% | |
| #102 | University Of UtahPublic | Salt Lake City, UT | $40,717 Median Architecture Earnings | $10,447 | 87.2% | 63.9% |
| #103 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | Terre Haute, IN | $40,441 Median Architecture Earnings | $7,702 | 91.5% | 41.1% |
| #104 | Chicago, IL | $37,948 Median Architecture Earnings | $13,222 | 55.4% | 72.4% | |
| #105 | Orlando, FL | $37,389 Median Architecture Earnings | $6,170 | 39.5% | 75.1% | |
| #106 | Utah State UniversityPublic | Logan, UT | $36,848 Median Architecture Earnings | $9,601 | 93.6% | 57.3% |
| #107 | Hato Rey, PR | $35,027 Median Architecture Earnings | $15,277 | — | 23.6% | |
| #108 | Cheney, WA | $33,993 Median Architecture Earnings | $8,578 | 91.8% | 47.2% | |
| #109 | Chatham UniversityPrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $32,382 Median Architecture Earnings | $20,839 | 70.1% | 66.2% |
| #110 | Los Angeles, CA | $31,305 Median Architecture Earnings | $6,864 | 8.7% | 92.7% | |
| #111 | Geneva, NY | $29,900 Median Architecture Earnings | $10,969 | 57.3% | 72.7% | |
| #112 | Judson UniversityPrivate | Elgin, IL | $26,933 Median Architecture Earnings | $24,510 | 63.1% | 53.3% |
| #113 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $26,353 Median Architecture Earnings | $23,758 | 73.5% | 70.0% |
| #114 | San Juan, PR | $23,055 Median Architecture Earnings | $5,691 | 53.2% | 52.5% |
