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Architecture, General

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Architecture, General

Architecture, General graduates earn $66,914 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $54,236 and $78,634. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Architecture, General

Architecture, General is a focused area of study within Architecture. Graduates typically earn around $66,914 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 140 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 4,794 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: $47,542
Median Earnings · 4yr: $66,914
Colleges Offering: 140
Graduates / Year: 4,794
Avg Net Price / yr: $15,763

How Much Do Architecture, General Graduates Earn?

Architecture, General graduates earn $66,914 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $54,236 and $78,634. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $47,542 climbs to $66,914 by year four.

$47,542

1 Year After Graduation

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

$66,914

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$67,399

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 Architecture, General 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.

$54,236 25th pct.

$66,914 Median

$78,634 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $66,914 against an estimated $63,052 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 130 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 4,794 students who complete Architecture, General programs each year, the majority (78%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

78%

Bachelor's 78%

Master's 17%

Associate's 2%

What Can You Do With an Architecture, General Degree?

Architecture, General 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.

↗ +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 Architecture, General

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Architecture, General 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	Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX · Public	193	72.7%	$19,070	$62,454
2	Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH · Public	191	86.3%	$20,787	$45,388
3	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	175	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
4	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	157	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
5	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	145	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
6	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	133	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
7	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA · Public	133	75.2%	$11,531	$71,902
8	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	113	11%	$13,481	$92,446
9	University of Houston Houston, TX · Public	108	73.9%	$14,276	$62,377
10	North Dakota State University-Main Campus Fargo, ND · Public	105	95%	$15,543	$62,203
11	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX · Public	104	86.8%	$10,836	$57,131
12	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN · Public	103	79.8%	$16,778	$69,020
13	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI · Public	101	90.7%	$15,014	$54,990
14	University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL · Public	98	77.4%	$10,974	$68,740
15	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX · Public	96	79.9%	$13,951	$63,199
16	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public	93	39.2%	$14,091	$78,466
17	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN · Public	90	41.6%	$18,976	$60,249
18	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR · Public	84	74.3%	$18,209	$58,191
19	Clemson University Clemson, SC · Public	84	38.3%	$22,253	$71,513
20	University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY · Public	76	74.2%	$20,995	$70,814

View all colleges

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

College ROI Calculator

See if a Architecture, General 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.

Architecture, General Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Architecture, General shows 3 measurable strengths and 1 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 $66,914 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $47,542 at graduation to $66,914 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 23,200 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.

Architecture, General Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Architecture, General graduates earn?

Architecture, General graduates earn a national median of $66,914 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $54,236 and $78,634. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Architecture, General degree?

One year after graduation, Architecture, General degree holders earn a median of $47,542. That climbs to $66,914 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Architecture, General degree?

Architecture, General 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 Architecture, General program take?

A Architecture, General 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 Architecture, General?

140 colleges and universities in the United States offer Architecture, General programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Architecture, General degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $66,914 and an average net price of roughly $15,763/yr, a Architecture, General 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 Architecture, General and Architecture?

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

Employers hiring Architecture, General 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 Architecture, General 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 Architecture, General graduates?

The job outlook for Architecture, General graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.2% 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.