Compare 5 Landscape Architecture. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $54,969.
With top graduates earning $64,800, Landscape Architecture stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $9K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Ball State University's Landscape Architecture program leads with graduates earning $64,800, well above the $55K average across 5 Midwest programs. Iowa State follows at $61,464, while Nebraska-Lincoln rounds out the top three at $51,273—demonstrating that regional publics dominate this specialized field.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Ball State graduates borrow $23,250 and face just a 7.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it both the top performer and best value.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $64,800 | 7 | $23,250 | Excellent | $20,800 | Manageable |
| #2 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $61,464 | 25 | $22,869 | Good | $25,950 | Challenging |
| #3 | $51,273 | 14 | $21,000 | Good | $25,798 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $50,439 | 18 | $20,484 | Good | $28,364 | High | |
| #5 | $46,869 | 12 | $19,500 | Good | $29,448 | 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 →
