Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates earn $70,074 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,479 and $86,857. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.
This page covers Architectural Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology is a focused area of study within Architecture. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $70,074 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 199 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 9,033 students complete it each year, most walking away with a master's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$49,261
Median Earnings · 4yr
$70,074
Colleges Offering
199
Graduates / Year
9,033
Avg Net Price / yr
$24,472
How Much Do Architectural Sciences and Technology Graduates Earn?
Four years after finishing Architectural Sciences and Technology, a typical graduate earns $70,074, above the national median for college graduates. Half of earners land somewhere between $55,479 and $86,857, 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 $49,261 at one year out to $70,074 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.
Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.
$70,074
4-Year National Median
Above the national median for college graduates.
$69,108
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
Not every Architectural Sciences and Technology 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.
$55,47925th pct.
$70,074Median
$86,85775th pct.
A Solid Financial Return
Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $70,074 and an estimated $97,888 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.4 years.
Based on outcomes from 82 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 9,033 students who complete Architectural Sciences and Technology programs each year, the majority (49%) earn a master's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
41%49%
Master's49%
Bachelor's41%
Associate's6%
What Can You Do With an Architectural Sciences and Technology Degree?
This degree does not lock you into one job. Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates show up in 3 different occupations, and Architectural & Engineering Manager pays the most at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
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.
Reading ComprehensionSystems AnalysisComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningCritical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
Top Colleges for Architectural Sciences and Technology
Not sure where to study Architectural Sciences and Technology? 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 Architectural Sciences and Technology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Architecture Programs
Architectural Sciences and Technology is not the only path through Architecture: 8 other specializations sit alongside it. The comparison below ranks them by 4-year median earnings so you can see where this one lands.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of an Architectural Sciences and Technology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
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Architectural Sciences and Technology Degree: Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Architectural Sciences and Technology a solid option. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $70,074 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $49,261 at graduation to $70,074 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlookRelated careers project up to +5.5% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 24,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop 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.
Architectural Sciences and Technology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates earn?
$70,074 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $55,479 and $86,857, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.
What is the starting salary for an Architectural Sciences and Technology degree?
$49,261 in the first year out. That grows to $70,074 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 Sciences and Technology degree?
Architectural & Engineering Manager is one path, and it pays a median of $171,270 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 Sciences and Technology program take?
Four years for the bachelor's, plus one to two more if you continue on to a master's, which many Architectural Sciences and Technology students do. Some schools shorten that with an accelerated 5-year combined program.
How many colleges offer Architectural Sciences and Technology?
199 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 Sciences and Technology degree worth it?
$70,074 median earnings four years out against $24,472 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 Sciences and Technology and Architecture?
Architectural Sciences and Technology is the narrower of the two: Architecture covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Architectural Sciences and Technology-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 Sciences and Technology graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Architectural Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology graduates?
Outlook is moderate overall: related occupations average +4.4% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Architectural & Engineering Manager is among the strongest-growth roles at +5.5%. 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.
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