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Interior Architecture

Interior Architecture graduates earn $60,369 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,940 and $72,348. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Interior Architecture

Interior Architecture is a focused area of study within Architecture. Graduates typically earn around $60,369 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 53 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 850 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: $44,811
Median Earnings · 4yr: $60,369
Colleges Offering: 53
Graduates / Year: 850
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,986

How Much Do Interior Architecture Graduates Earn?

Interior Architecture graduates earn $60,369 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,940 and $72,348.

$44,811

1 Year After Graduation

Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.

$60,369

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$61,421

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 Interior Architecture 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.

$47,940 25th pct.

$60,369 Median

$72,348 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $60,369 and an estimated $79,944 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.6 years.

Based on outcomes from 46 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 850 students who complete Interior Architecture programs each year, the majority (80%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

80%

Bachelor's 80%

Master's 15%

Associate's 4%

What Can You Do With an Interior Architecture Degree?

Interior Architecture 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.

↗ +3.2% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Interior Designer

$67,190

$52K $86K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 7,800 openings/yr 72K employed nationally

Speaking Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Social Perceptiveness

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

Design plans to be safe and to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents.
Research health and safety code requirements to inform design.

Top Colleges for Interior Architecture

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Interior Architecture 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	California State University-Sacramento Sacramento, CA · Public	44	94%	$9,338	$64,876
2	Endicott College Beverly, MA · Nonprofit	43	71.2%	$40,654	$58,336
3	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO · Public	42	88.5%	$21,279	$60,543
4	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX · Public	38	86.8%	$10,836	$57,131
5	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE · Public	35	87.5%	$17,747	$56,887
6	Kansas State University Manhattan, KS · Public	34	81.7%	$19,406	$57,262
7	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA · Public	32	73.3%	$19,151	$61,251
8	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA · Public	32	75.2%	$11,531	$71,902
9	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN · Public	30	41.6%	$18,976	$60,249
10	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN · Public	29	78.2%	$16,264	$63,742
11	Chatham University Pittsburgh, PA · Nonprofit	28	62%	$29,954	$52,410
12	Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MI · Public	27	Open	$5,777	$37,395
13	Utah State University Logan, UT · Public	25	92.5%	$14,936	$54,022
14	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS · Public	25	77.6%	$17,595	$51,513
15	Miami University-Oxford Oxford, OH · Public	24	75.4%	$28,384	$55,076
16	University of Oregon Eugene, OR · Public	21	88.3%	$22,182	$61,324
17	Syracuse University Syracuse, NY · Nonprofit	21	45.9%	$38,793	$79,164
18	University of Idaho Moscow, ID · Public	20	75.5%	$14,831	$54,670
19	University of Kansas Lawrence, KS · Public	18	93.5%	$18,059	$61,945
20	Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, OH · Public	18	81%	$24,022	$47,896

View all colleges

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

College ROI Calculator

See if a Interior Architecture 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.

Interior Architecture Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Interior Architecture 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 $60,369 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $44,811 at graduation to $60,369 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.

Interior Architecture Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Interior Architecture graduates earn?

Interior Architecture graduates earn a national median of $60,369 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,940 and $72,348. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Interior Architecture degree?

One year after graduation, Interior Architecture degree holders earn a median of $44,811. That climbs to $60,369 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Interior Architecture degree?

Interior Architecture 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 Interior Architecture program take?

A Interior Architecture 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 Interior Architecture?

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

Is a Interior Architecture degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $60,369 and an average net price of roughly $19,986/yr, a Interior Architecture 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 Interior Architecture and Architecture?

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

Employers hiring Interior Architecture 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 Interior Architecture 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 Interior Architecture graduates?

The job outlook for Interior Architecture graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.0% job growth over the next 10 years. Architectural & Engineering Manager is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.8%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.