Compare 15 Architecture. programs in the West. Average earnings: $61,364.
Architecture programs produce graduates earning between $31,305 and $78,642—a $47K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 15 ranked programs in the West, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
California College of the Arts leads with Architecture graduates earning $78,642, while Cal Poly Pomona follows at $73,603 with a much larger program (88 graduates versus 26). The $61,364 regional average shows strong performance, with University of San Francisco rounding out the top three at $70,929.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Cal Poly Pomona graduates borrow $16,000 and face just a 4.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, proving top programs can also be affordable.
Highest program earnings: $78,642
Strong outcomes with 73% acceptance
4.3% payment burden | Excellent
8.9% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $78,642 | 26 | $27,000 | Excellent | $28,055 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $73,603 | 88 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #3 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | $70,929 | 21 | $23,000 | Excellent | $44,413 | Challenging |
| #4 | $70,760 | 31 | $18,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $68,788 | 9 | $18,000 | Excellent | $31,803 | Manageable | |
| #6 | Woodbury UniversityPrivate | $66,294 | 13 | $26,960 | Good | $39,059 | Challenging |
| #7 | University Of OregonPublic | $65,505 | 53 | $20,139 | Excellent | $44,405 | Challenging |
| #8 | $63,901 | 97 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $62,371 | 64 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $60,279 | 54 | $19,500 | Excellent | $23,519 | Manageable | |
| #11 | University Of IdahoPublic | $54,393 | 28 | $21,982 | Good | $21,162 | Challenging |
| #12 | $53,625 | 46 | $20,500 | Good | $18,859 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $51,237 | 50 | $18,450 | Good | $13,000 | Manageable | |
| #14 | $48,826 | 20 | $19,450 | Good | $20,906 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $31,305 | 22 | $14,000 | Challenging | $26,176 | 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 →
