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Architectural Engineering

Architectural Engineering graduates earn $89,406 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Engineering Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Architectural Engineering

Architectural Engineering is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $89,406 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 30 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 1,090 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $73,510
Median Earnings · 4yr: $89,406
Colleges Offering: 30
Graduates / Year: 1,090
Avg Net Price / yr: $21,772

How Much Do Architectural Engineering Graduates Earn?

Architectural Engineering graduates earn $89,406 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,962 and $103,117.

$73,510

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$89,406

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$87,297

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Architectural Engineering graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.

$76,962 25th pct.

$89,406 Median

$103,117 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $89,406 against an estimated $87,088 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 30 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 1,090 students who complete Architectural Engineering programs each year, the majority (77%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

77%

Bachelor's 77%

Master's 17%

Post-Bacc Cert. 5%

What Can You Do With an Architectural Engineering Degree?

Architectural Engineering connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architectural & Engineering Manager

$171,270

$139K $213K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 14,500 openings/yr 220K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Listening Writing Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.

↗ +8.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Engineering Teachers

$109,270

$82K $151K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 4,100 openings/yr 40K employed nationally

Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

↗ +2.0% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architecture Teachers

$96,870

$75K $129K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 900 openings/yr 8K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Instructing Learning Strategies Speaking Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as architectural design methods, aesthetics and design, and structures and materials.

Top Colleges for Architectural Engineering

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Architectural Engineering students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Auburn University Auburn, AL · Public	239	45.9%	$24,323	$65,337
2	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	146	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
3	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	72	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
4	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE · Public	56	87.5%	$17,747	$56,887
5	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO · Public	51	78.1%	$25,346	$69,738
6	Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI · Nonprofit	44	58.9%	$22,453	$89,070
7	Kansas State University Manhattan, KS · Public	41	81.7%	$19,406	$57,262
8	Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO · Public	38	72.6%	$16,298	$82,957
9	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH · Public	35	85.3%	$25,648	$54,810
10	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	33	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
11	Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	32	54.9%	$18,425	$82,592
12	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX · Public	28	79.9%	$13,951	$63,199
13	Drexel University Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit	28	79.4%	$38,509	$84,648
14	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA · Public	27	31.3%	$16,665	$90,768
15	University of Kansas Lawrence, KS · Public	26	93.5%	$18,059	$61,945
16	Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA · Nonprofit	26	60.2%	$43,071	$103,470
17	North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC · Public	23	49.9%	$10,846	$44,440
18	Oregon State University Corvallis, OR · Public	22	77.3%	$19,604	$64,010
19	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, OK · Public	21	75%	$17,447	$57,413
20	University of Wyoming Laramie, WY · Public	21	96.9%	$13,599	$56,880

View all colleges

Ranked by Architectural Engineering graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

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 Architectural Engineering program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Architectural Engineering 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.

Architectural Engineering Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Architectural Engineering a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $89,406 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Engineering Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 19,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $103,117, a strong ceiling for high performers.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Limited program availability Only 30 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Architectural Engineering Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Architectural Engineering graduates earn?

Architectural Engineering graduates earn a national median of $89,406 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,962 and $103,117. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Architectural Engineering degree?

One year after graduation, Architectural Engineering degree holders earn a median of $73,510. That climbs to $89,406 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Architectural Engineering degree?

Architectural Engineering degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Architectural Engineering program take?

A Architectural Engineering bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Architectural Engineering?

30 colleges and universities in the United States offer Architectural Engineering programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Architectural Engineering degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $89,406 and an average net price of roughly $21,772/yr, a Architectural Engineering degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Architectural Engineering and Engineering?

Architectural Engineering is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Architectural Engineering-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Architectural Engineering graduates?

Employers hiring Architectural Engineering graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.

Is graduate school worth it for Architectural Engineering graduates?

In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Architectural Engineering graduates?

The job outlook for Architectural Engineering graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +4.6% job growth over the next 10 years. Engineering Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.