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Landscape Architecture

Landscape Architecture graduates earn $66,387 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $52,079 and $78,585. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Landscape Architecture

Landscape Architecture is a focused area of study within Architecture. Graduates typically earn around $66,387 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 70 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 926 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: $53,098
Median Earnings · 4yr: $66,387
Colleges Offering: 70
Graduates / Year: 926
Avg Net Price / yr: $18,805

How Much Do Landscape Architecture Graduates Earn?

Landscape Architecture graduates earn $66,387 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $52,079 and $78,585.

$53,098

1 Year After Graduation

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

$66,387

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$65,863

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 Landscape 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.

$52,079 25th pct.

$66,387 Median

$78,585 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $66,387 and an estimated $75,220 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.1 years.

Based on outcomes from 59 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 926 students who complete Landscape Architecture programs each year, the majority (67%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

67% 30%

Bachelor's 67%

Master's 30%

Certificate 1%

What Can You Do With a Landscape Architecture Degree?

Landscape 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.

↗ +3.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Landscape Architects

$79,870

$64K $104K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 1,700 openings/yr 20K employed nationally

Speaking Active Listening Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.

Confer with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects.
Analyze data on conditions such as site location, drainage, or structure location for environmental reports or landscaping plans.
Inspect landscape work to ensure compliance with specifications, evaluate quality of materials or work, or advise clients or construction personnel.

Top Colleges for Landscape Architecture

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Landscape 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 Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA · Public	93	75.2%	$11,531	$71,902
2	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA · Public	48	31.3%	$16,665	$90,768
3	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	41	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
4	Cornell University Ithaca, NY · Nonprofit	40	8.8%	$28,690	$104,043
5	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	32	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
6	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public	31	58.2%	$24,406	$74,479
7	University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA · Public	27	59.7%	$22,383	$71,631
8	University of Oregon Eugene, OR · Public	26	88.3%	$22,182	$61,324
9	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	25	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
10	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	24	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
11	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO · Public	24	88.5%	$21,279	$60,543
12	University of Nevada-Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV · Public	24	96.2%	$10,359	$55,037
13	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA · Public	22	73.3%	$19,151	$61,251
14	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN · Public	22	41.6%	$18,976	$60,249
15	Ball State University Muncie, IN · Public	21	85.5%	$14,940	$51,833
16	Clemson University Clemson, SC · Public	20	38.3%	$22,253	$71,513
17	Florida International University Miami, FL · Public	19	54.7%	$9,288	$60,249
18	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN · Public	18	49.9%	$14,600	$72,424
19	SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NY · Public	18	63.3%	$18,952	$55,763
20	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	17	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668

View all colleges

Ranked by Landscape 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 Landscape 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 Landscape 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.

Landscape Architecture Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Landscape Architecture shows 2 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 $66,387 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 17,100 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.

Landscape Architecture Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Landscape Architecture graduates earn?

Landscape Architecture graduates earn a national median of $66,387 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $52,079 and $78,585. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Landscape Architecture degree?

One year after graduation, Landscape Architecture degree holders earn a median of $53,098. That climbs to $66,387 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Landscape Architecture degree?

Landscape 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 Landscape Architecture program take?

A Landscape 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 Landscape Architecture?

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

Is a Landscape Architecture degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $66,387 and an average net price of roughly $18,805/yr, a Landscape 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 Landscape Architecture and Architecture?

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

Employers hiring Landscape 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 Landscape 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 Landscape Architecture graduates?

The job outlook for Landscape Architecture graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.1% 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.