STEM
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Build physical systems and solve complex technical problems — civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering are the most common specializations.
STEM
Architecture
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Architecture
Design the buildings and environments people inhabit — from single homes to city master plans — balancing aesthetics, function, and sustainability. Graduates earn a national median of $66,874 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 386 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 19,716 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $46,449
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $66,874
- Colleges Offering
- 386
- Graduates / Year
- 19,716
- Specializations
- 9
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $20,271
Is a Architecture Degree Right for You?
$66,874
Median earnings · 4yr
+3.8%
10yr job growth
9
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~2.2
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Solid ROI. Median earnings of $66,874 after 4 years. Against an estimated $81,084 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.2 years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Architecture Majors Earn?
Architecture graduates start at a median $46,449 one year out and reach $66,874 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 386 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$46,449
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$66,874
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$65,863
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Architecture specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $106,061/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $57,461/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$57,461
Lowest
$66,874
Median
$106,061
Highest
What Can You Do With an Architecture Degree?
Career Paths for Architecture Graduates
Architecture connects to 8 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads in median earnings at $171,270/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Architectural & Engineering Manager
Bachelor's degree
$171,270
↗ +3.8% growth
Architects
Bachelor's degree
$99,280
↗ +3.9% growth
Architecture Teachers
Doctoral or professional degree
$96,870
↗ +2.0% growth
Urban and Regional Planners
Master's degree
$89,320
↗ +3.4% growth
Landscape Architects
Bachelor's degree
$79,870
↗ +3.5% growth
Real Estate Brokers
High school diploma or equivalent
$73,220
↗ +3.3% growth
Property Managers
High school diploma or equivalent
$69,990
↗ +3.6% growth
Interior Designer
Bachelor's degree
$67,190
↗ +3.2% growth
Architecture Specializations
Architecture breaks into 9 specializations. Earnings range widely from $57,461 to $106,061 at the four-year mark. Each row links to a dedicated program profile. Sorted highest-paying first, based on national College Scorecard data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Architecture
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Architecture graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
4%
Net price/yr
$21,590
Earnings 10yr
$102,491
Grad rate
79%
2
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
9.8%
Net price/yr
$32,740
Earnings 10yr
$92,498
Grad rate
88%
3
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
Acceptance
89.9%
Net price/yr
$14,967
Earnings 10yr
$62,668
Grad rate
59%
4
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
Acceptance
39.2%
Net price/yr
$14,091
Earnings 10yr
$78,466
Grad rate
73%
5
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona, CA · Public
Acceptance
75.2%
Net price/yr
$11,531
Earnings 10yr
$71,902
Grad rate
72%
6
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
Acceptance
11%
Net price/yr
$13,481
Earnings 10yr
$92,446
Grad rate
74%
7
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS · Public
Acceptance
93.5%
Net price/yr
$18,059
Earnings 10yr
$61,945
Grad rate
56%
8
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
Acceptance
24.2%
Net price/yr
$6,541
Earnings 10yr
$71,588
Grad rate
83%
9
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY · Public
Acceptance
74.2%
Net price/yr
$20,995
Earnings 10yr
$70,814
Grad rate
66%
10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
5.4%
Net price/yr
$28,699
Earnings 10yr
$111,371
Grad rate
84%
11
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
Acceptance
57.4%
Net price/yr
$21,315
Earnings 10yr
$72,097
Grad rate
80%
12
Pratt Institute-Main
Brooklyn, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
73.3%
Net price/yr
$52,659
Earnings 10yr
$54,295
Grad rate
63%
13
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Acceptance
9%
Net price/yr
$12,548
Earnings 10yr
$82,511
Grad rate
82%
14
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX · Public
Acceptance
72.7%
Net price/yr
$19,070
Earnings 10yr
$62,454
Grad rate
60%
15
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · Nonprofit
Acceptance
8.8%
Net price/yr
$28,690
Earnings 10yr
$104,043
Grad rate
92%
16
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public
Acceptance
54.8%
Net price/yr
$24,953
Earnings 10yr
$81,698
Grad rate
81%
17
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
Acceptance
15.6%
Net price/yr
$13,138
Earnings 10yr
$83,648
Grad rate
90%
18
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA · Public
Acceptance
16.8%
Net price/yr
$21,565
Earnings 10yr
$86,863
Grad rate
90%
19
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA · Public
Acceptance
14.1%
Net price/yr
$12,116
Earnings 10yr
$102,772
Grad rate
80%
20
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
Acceptance
31.3%
Net price/yr
$16,665
Earnings 10yr
$90,768
Grad rate
78%
Ranked by number of Architecture graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Architecture Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Architecture degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Architecture degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Architecture Degree: Pros & Cons
The data on Architecture tells a mixed story. Measurable strengths offset by real trade-offs. All 3 points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, and IPEDS graduate counts. No editorial opinion applied.
PROS
- Above-average earnings Four-year median of $66,874 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science fields.
- High-earning specializations available Top specializations report median earnings of $106,061, creating strong upside for students who choose a high-demand track.
- Strong salary growth Median salary grows from $46,449 at graduation to $66,874 four years later, indicating solid career momentum.
Architecture Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Architecture graduates earn?
Architecture graduates earn a national median of $66,874 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Architecture degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Architecture degree holders is $46,449 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Architecture degree?
Architecture degree holders work in a range of careers. Architectural & Engineering Manager is one of the top roles by median wage ($171,270/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Architecture?
386 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Architecture, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Architecture degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $66,874 and an average net price of roughly $20,271/yr across institutions offering this major, a Architecture degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Architecture degree?
A bachelor's degree in Architecture typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years. Online and part-time options can adjust these timelines based on your schedule and transfer credits.
What skills do employers look for in Architecture graduates?
Employers hiring Architecture graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, data interpretation, and problem-solving. Strong foundational skills in math, science, or programming are expected, and employers often prioritize candidates with internship or research experience.
Is graduate school worth it for Architecture graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000–$40,000 to long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Architecture graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Architecture graduates is moderate, with an average of +3.3% projected growth across related occupations. Architects is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.9%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
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Does Engineering Tech Out-Earn Engineering? The Data Says No
A popular claim holds that the applied engineering-tech degree pays more than the theoretical one. Across every program, engineering wins by about $10,000.
- Engineering tech
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- Program earnings
- Applied degree
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-
STEM Is Not One Thing: The Pay Gap Within STEM
Across 88 STEM programs the top one out-earns the bottom by $65,000 a year. Operations research pays $122,531; environmental design pays $57,461.
- STEM earnings
- Engineering pay
- Computer science
- Program earnings
- Major choice
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