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Architectural History

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Architectural History

Only 35 colleges in the country offer Architectural History, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $65,003.

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About Architectural History

Architectural History is a focused area of study within Architecture. Graduates typically earn around $65,003 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 35 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 158 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: $30,189
Median Earnings · 4yr: $65,003
Colleges Offering: 35
Graduates / Year: 158
Avg Net Price / yr: $27,025

How Much Do Architectural History Graduates Earn?

Architectural History graduates earn $65,003 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,413 and $78,925. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $30,189 climbs to $65,003 by year four.

$30,189

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$65,003

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$66,286

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 History 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.

$45,413 25th pct.

$65,003 Median

$78,925 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $65,003 and an estimated $108,100 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.1 years.

Based on outcomes from 22 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 158 students who complete Architectural History programs each year, the majority (69%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

69%

Bachelor's 69%

Master's 18%

Post-Bacc Cert. 6%

What Can You Do With an Architectural History Degree?

Architectural History connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Architects leads at $99,280/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.9% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architects

$99,280

$78K $127K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 7,800 openings/yr 107K employed nationally

Operations Analysis Speaking Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.
Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.

↗ +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 History

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Architectural History 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	University of San Diego San Diego, CA · Nonprofit	21	52.4%	$30,365	$86,522
2	University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA · Public	19	16.8%	$21,565	$86,863
3	Boston University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	16	11.1%	$24,402	$83,238
4	Northeastern University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	14	5.2%	$30,915	$92,538
5	Amherst College Amherst, MA · Nonprofit	10	9%	$23,367	$77,644
6	Smith College Northampton, MA · Nonprofit	9	21%	$27,579	$64,027
7	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit	8	4%	$21,590	$102,491
8	Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN · Nonprofit	8	5.9%	$15,846	$91,565
9	Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NM · Public	7	Open	$4,621	$36,869
10	DePaul University Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	7	75.9%	$30,902	$68,751
11	Clemson University Clemson, SC · Public	5	38.3%	$22,253	$71,513
12	College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA · Nonprofit	4	17.6%	$38,782	$90,543
13	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	3	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
14	Drexel University Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit	3	79.4%	$38,509	$84,648
15	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, OK · Public	2	75%	$17,447	$57,413
16	Cornell University Ithaca, NY · Nonprofit	2	8.8%	$28,690	$104,043
17	Syracuse University Syracuse, NY · Nonprofit	2	45.9%	$38,793	$79,164
18	Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA · Nonprofit	2	83%	$49,430	$45,954
19	Ball State University Muncie, IN · Public	2	85.5%	$14,940	$51,833
20	Endicott College Beverly, MA · Nonprofit	2	71.2%	$40,654	$58,336

View all colleges

Ranked by Architectural History 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 History 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 History 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 History Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Architectural History shows 2 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $65,003 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $30,189 at graduation to $65,003 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.

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 35 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Architectural History Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Architectural History graduates earn?

Architectural History graduates earn a national median of $65,003 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,413 and $78,925. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Architectural History degree?

One year after graduation, Architectural History degree holders earn a median of $30,189. That climbs to $65,003 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Architectural History degree?

Architectural History degree holders pursue careers including Architects, which pays a median of $99,280/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Architectural History program take?

A Architectural History 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 History?

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

Is a Architectural History degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $65,003 and an average net price of roughly $27,025/yr, a Architectural History 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 History and Architecture?

Architectural History is a focused concentration within the broader Architecture field. The Architecture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Architectural History-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 History graduates?

Employers hiring Architectural History 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 History 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 History graduates?

The job outlook for Architectural History graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Architects is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.9%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.