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Architectural Sciences and Technology

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.

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About Architectural Sciences and Technology

Architectural Sciences and Technology is a focused area of study within Architecture. Graduates typically earn around $70,074 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 199 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 9,033 students complete this program each year, most earning 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?

Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates earn $70,074 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,479 and $86,857. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $49,261 climbs to $70,074 by year four.

$49,261

1 Year After Graduation

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

There is a moderate earnings spread across Architectural Sciences and Technology 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.

$55,479 25th pct.

$70,074 Median

$86,857 75th 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's 49%

Bachelor's 41%

Associate's 6%

What Can You Do With an Architectural Sciences and Technology Degree?

Architectural Sciences and Technology 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.

↗ +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.

↗ +4.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Architectural and Civil Drafters

$66,150

$56K $81K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 10,000 openings/yr 104K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Systems Analysis Complex Problem Solving Active Learning Critical 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

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Architectural Sciences and Technology 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	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit	249	4%	$21,590	$102,491
2	University of Kansas Lawrence, KS · Public	240	93.5%	$18,059	$61,945
3	Pratt Institute-Main Brooklyn, NY · Nonprofit	217	73.3%	$52,659	$54,295
4	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit	197	5.4%	$28,699	$111,371
5	Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, MA · Nonprofit	185	91.2%	$34,170	$82,721
6	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL · Public	169	42.4%	$14,355	$81,054
7	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	169	11%	$13,481	$92,446
8	New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NY · Nonprofit	169	81%	$22,443	$70,080
9	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	168	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698
10	Syracuse University Syracuse, NY · Nonprofit	168	45.9%	$38,793	$79,164
11	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	163	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
12	University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit	158	9.8%	$32,740	$92,498
13	Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RI · Nonprofit	158	18.7%	$50,507	$68,140
14	Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL · Nonprofit	157	54.9%	$18,425	$82,592
15	Florida International University Miami, FL · Public	153	54.7%	$9,288	$60,249
16	Cornell University Ithaca, NY · Nonprofit	151	8.8%	$28,690	$104,043
17	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	147	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
18	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO · Public	144	74.7%	$11,900	$64,270
19	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	141	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
20	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public	137	59.7%	$22,383	$71,631

View all colleges

Ranked by Architectural Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Architectural Sciences and Technology shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $70,074 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $49,261 at graduation to $70,074 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 25,400 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

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.

Architectural Sciences and Technology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates earn?

Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates earn a national median of $70,074 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,479 and $86,857. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Architectural Sciences and Technology degree?

One year after graduation, Architectural Sciences and Technology degree holders earn a median of $49,261. That climbs to $70,074 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Architectural Sciences and Technology degree?

Architectural Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology program take?

While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Architectural Sciences and Technology students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.

How many colleges offer Architectural Sciences and Technology?

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

Is a Architectural Sciences and Technology degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $70,074 and an average net price of roughly $24,472/yr, a Architectural Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology and Architecture?

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

Employers hiring Architectural Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology 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 Sciences and Technology graduates?

The job outlook for Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.3% job growth over the next 10 years. Architectural and Civil Drafters is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.