Compare 14 Architecture. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $55,290.
With top graduates earning $71,931, Architecture stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $16K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
The University of Notre Dame's Architecture program leads with graduates earning $71,931, while the regional average sits at $55,290. Drury University follows at $62,901, and the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor produces graduates earning $60,947—demonstrating that strong programs exist beyond prestigious names.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Notre Dame graduates borrow $19,000 and face just a 5.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, North Dakota State leads with a 14.6% family burden—still manageable and far more accessible.
Highest program earnings: $71,931
Strong outcomes ($60,222) with 96% acceptance
5.3% payment burden | Excellent
14.6% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $71,931 | 36 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Challenging |
| #2 | Drury UniversityPrivate | $62,901 | 24 | $20,979 | Excellent | $26,668 | Manageable |
| #3 | $60,947 | 70 | $19,500 | Excellent | $30,250 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $60,222 | 62 | $23,199 | Good | $14,621 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $56,981 | 102 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,729 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $55,436 | 89 | $24,500 | Good | $21,394 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $55,279 | 82 | $21,250 | Good | $23,602 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $54,925 | 30 | $21,000 | Good | $25,798 | Challenging | |
| #9 | $54,262 | 69 | $16,704 | Excellent | $24,323 | Challenging | |
| #10 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $54,007 | 51 | $23,250 | Good | $20,800 | Challenging |
| #11 | $53,873 | 95 | $23,000 | Good | $16,149 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $53,665 | 36 | $21,543 | Good | $19,500 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $52,694 | 87 | $19,976 | Good | $25,868 | Challenging | |
| #14 | Judson UniversityPrivate | $26,933 | 26 | $25,000 | High | $26,048 | 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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
