Compare 63 Architecture. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $65,111. Top programs: $82,983+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Architecture tells a different story. Across 63 programs, earnings range from $31,305 to $82,983—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The school you've heard of isn't necessarily the one that delivers. The data rewards a closer look.
Topping the list, the University of Notre Dame's Architecture program delivers $82,983 in median earnings—well above the $65,111 national average. Right behind it, Boston Architectural College posts $82,268, and Cal Poly Pomona—a public school accepting 75% of applicants—reaches $76,969. Prestige doesn't explain these outcomes. Program-level execution does.
Strong earnings matter most when debt stays manageable. UC Berkeley's Architecture graduates borrow just $13,000 in student loans and carry a 3.3% payment burden—a rating that falls squarely in the 'Excellent' tier. For families factoring in parent loans, Cal Poly Pomona leads with a 8.4% combined burden, also rated 'Good'—proof that public programs can win on both outcomes and affordability.
Highest program earnings: $82,983
Strong outcomes ($76,969) with 75% acceptance
3.3% payment burden | Excellent
8.4% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $82,983 | 21 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Manageable |
| #2 | Boston Architectural CollegePrivate | $82,268 | 24 | $37,250 | Good | $30,659 | Manageable |
| #3 | $76,969 | 107 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Good | |
| #4 | $76,808 | 65 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $76,695 | 20 | $20,121 | Excellent | $23,000 | Good | |
| #6 | $76,679 | 113 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Good | |
| #7 | $76,181 | 50 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #8 | $75,551 | 57 | $23,750 | Excellent | $52,241 | Challenging | |
| #9 | Carnegie Mellon UniversityPrivate | $73,439 | 9 | $21,750 | Excellent | $37,130 | Manageable |
| #10 | Drexel UniversityPrivate | $72,915 | 28 | $25,325 | Excellent | $40,932 | Challenging |
| #11 | $72,468 | 26 | $19,450 | Excellent | $20,906 | Good | |
| #12 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $72,420 | 62 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Challenging |
| #13 | $71,413 | 17 | — | — | — | — | |
| #14 | $71,292 | 41 | $21,672 | Excellent | $32,216 | Manageable | |
| #15 | $70,752 | 48 | $23,833 | Excellent | $19,000 | Manageable | |
| #16 | University Of HoustonPublic | $70,616 | 95 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Good |
| #17 | $70,383 | 12 | $20,654 | Excellent | $31,890 | Manageable | |
| #18 | $70,213 | 73 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Manageable | |
| #19 | Drury UniversityPrivate | $70,134 | 30 | $20,979 | Excellent | $26,668 | Manageable |
| #20 | $69,874 | 38 | $23,548 | Excellent | $16,223 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $69,838 | 59 | $26,000 | Excellent | $50,215 | Challenging | |
| #22 | $69,699 | 26 | $22,142 | Excellent | $25,567 | Manageable | |
| #23 | $69,515 | 68 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Manageable | |
| #24 | $69,029 | 40 | $20,500 | Excellent | $25,645 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $68,765 | 72 | $20,500 | Excellent | $30,610 | Manageable |
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 →
