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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

This page covers Architectural History as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Architecture and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.

Architectural History is a focused area of study within Architecture. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $65,003 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 35 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 158 students complete it each year, most walking away with 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?

Four years after finishing Architectural History, a typical graduate earns $65,003, above the national median for college graduates. Half of earners land somewhere between $45,413 and $78,925, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Do not judge the field on a starting paycheck alone: pay tends to jump in the first few years, climbing from $30,189 at one year out to $65,003 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.

What that figure means in practice depends on what the degree cost to get, which is a matter of lifetime earnings against total outlay.

$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

Not every Architectural History graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out a moderate amount, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. 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 21 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?

This degree does not lock you into one job. Architectural History graduates show up in 2 different occupations, and Architects pay the most at $99,280/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

The best-paid of these is what Architects earn and how fast those roles are growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.

↗ +4.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architects

$99,280

$78K $127K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 6,900 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.

↗ +2.6% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Architecture Teachers

$96,870

$75K $129K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 700 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

Not sure where to study Architectural History? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at University of San Diego, and the rest follow the same measures.

#	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 an 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 an 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?

$65,003 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $45,413 and $78,925, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.

What is the starting salary for an Architectural History degree?

$30,189 in the first year out. That grows to $65,003 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.

What jobs can you get with an Architectural History degree?

Architects are one path, and it pays a median of $99,280 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.

How long does an Architectural History program take?

Four years of full-time study for an Architectural History bachelor's degree, the standard timeline for this field. If you want a faster route into the workforce, community colleges offer a two-year associate option instead.

How many colleges offer Architectural History?

35 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.

Is an Architectural History degree worth it?

$65,003 median earnings four years out against $27,025 a year in average net price. That is a reasonable payback window, best at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.

What is the difference between Architectural History and Architecture?

Architectural History is the narrower of the two: Architecture covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Architectural History-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.

What skills do employers look for in Architectural History graduates?

Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Architectural History graduates consistently look for analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.

Is graduate school worth it for Architectural History graduates?

Usually worth considering. A master's in a STEM field 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. Weigh that against your own career goals, the program's cost, and whether your target role actually rewards the advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Architectural History graduates?

Outlook is moderate overall: related occupations average +3.5% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Architects are among the strongest-growth roles at +4.3%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.