### SUMMARY

 A degree in Architecture is a valuable choice and commonly a critical first step for scholars planning to begin a career as a home designer, an architect, or an architectural drafter. Interestingly, architecture is a fairly common choice ranking as the 96th most popular area of study. Last academic year alone, there were 4,108 architecture graduates. In-state tuition for architecture at private institutions is, on average, 4.2 times more costly than their public peers.

 With just 122 institutions having programs for architecture there might be a smaller selection of institutions you can choose from. If you're looking to immerse yourself with other architecture majors, consider colleges in California which have more undergrads admitted to architecture than any other state. Zooming out, the best region to study architecture is in the Far West region with [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo), [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley), and [Newschool of Architecture and Design](/colleges/newschool-of-architecture-and-design) best representing the region. Interestingly, our selection of the top conference to major in architecture is the Southeastern Conference with [Auburn University](/colleges/auburn-university), [University of Florida](/colleges/university-of-florida), and [Texas A & M University-College Station](/colleges/texas-a-m-university-college-station) representing the conference. From our extensive list on the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges), our selection for the best college for architecture is [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university).

 The overall 'best' school does not have to be the 'best' school for every student. There might be tons more facets to weigh when selecting institution. Features such as campus amenities, transportation services, and food would definitely alter your choice on which university to attend. At authority.org, we evaluated the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you are interested in which architecture school has the top campus, the answer is [Northeastern University](/colleges/northeastern-university). If you are very interested in which university has the best campus, we have an entire list [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through government databases, student reviews, professor reviews, and more so we can compare all U.S. majors in an unbiased and informative way. You can explore our well researched list for the schools with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbsphere and our choice for the college with the best student life for architecture is [University of Michigan-Ann Arbor](/colleges/university-of-michigan-ann-arbor). Are you curious why? Continue reading to learn more about Authority's top selections. Some of our conclusions might shock you.

 If expense is a primary deciding factor in your decisions, you might be cautious about [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york). [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspis the most expensive university for architecture, at least for out of state students. That being said, we have a list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspcolleges that might put the price tag of [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspinto perspective. Additionally, you could care to know that architecture is the 114th most expensive program in the US, with an average expense of $37,700. To zoom out a little, the most costly state for architecture on our list is Connecticut demonstrated with a cost of $55,500 at the main college in the state Yale University. To zoom out even further, the most costly region for architecture is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [Tufts University](/colleges/tufts-university) with a cost of $57,324, [Wellesley College](/colleges/wellesley-college) with a cost of $55,728, and [Middlebury College](/colleges/middlebury-college) with a cost of $55,790.

 Our cheapest region for architecture is the Southeast region which is represented by [Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University](/colleges/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university) with a cost of $14,524, [Florida Atlantic University](/colleges/florida-atlantic-university) with a cost of $14,374, and [Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College](/colleges/louisiana-state-university-and-agricultural-mechanical-college) with a cost of $8,038. More optimistically, the most affordable college for architecture is [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo). Authority.org's full list of the most affordable colleges can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state learners can expect to pay about $10,700 for a degree in architecture. The cost balloons substantially to an average of $27,600 for an out-of-state public-school student. On that note, our pick for the college representing the best value for architecture: [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university). Here you can find our comprehensive list about the colleges we believe to be the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspoverall. With that said, this list is predicated on out-of-state tuition costs. The value proposition changes when it comes to in-state tuition, but we do not know where you live (and are not trying to collect that kind of data).

 Earnings for architecture majors can cover a wide range, but within two-years of graduation students will typically make around $65,100. There can be a lot of variation in earnings; highest paid earners can rake in up to $104,400. Straight out of college, the minimum earning opportunities within the architecture space make $40,100, which could be worse. The highest earning graduates for architecture studied at [University of Pennsylvania](/colleges/university-of-pennsylvania)&nbspand if you want to find the colleges with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), Authority has that too.

 The prevailing diversity of architecture stands quite high, falling within the 88th percentile of all programs. The school with the highest composite diversity for architecture is [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university)&nbspand here you can find our comprehensive list of the schools with the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The overall financial diversity of the Architecture major only is in the 78th percentile compared to all other majors. Racial diversity is actually greater, ranking in the 86th percentile. White undergraduates make up the largest proportion at 49% of those studying architecture. Additionally, 53% of undergrads pursuing an architecture degree are men.

 The median ranking for architecture's professors is 3.8 stars, a score that is 5% below the median score across every major; which is a subpar score. If you are curious about the most popular architecture professor in the country, look no further than Ted Mosby from [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york). It might come as a surprise, but the highest rated instructors for architecture according to students are found at [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york). As we including data beyond basic rankings we find that the university possessing comprehensively the best professors for architecture is [Princeton University](/colleges/princeton-university). One will find an explanation of our ever evolving ranking methodology for the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), as well as many of the best examples of instructors in the U.S.

 Finally, the hardest college to get into for architecture is [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york). While we think of this list more as a novelty, we have a comprehensive page for the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). That being said, here at Authority we hope you believe that considering higher education with a lens only built on superlatives can cause issues. We at Authority hope you read our other pages on different topics and peruse some of our background 'blog posts' on beneficial things to think about as you progress with your university search.



 ### POPULARITY

 Architecture is the 96th most popular degree in America, with 4,108 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #97 [Religious Studies](/rankings/best-colleges-for-religious-studies), and narrowly lost to #95 [Film](/rankings/best-colleges-for-film).

 The degree is offered at a total of 122 colleges across the nation, and is the 135th most widely offered degree. Given that architecture is offered at 32% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America, you can be sure this is a critical degree and the skillsets acquired are likely to last for a long time.

 It is also worth noting that 61% of colleges offering architecture are public making it a quite accessible field.

 The far west produces the most architecture graduates, largely led by [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo), while it’s the Southeastern Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, California ranks highest, with particular help from [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo) and [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more architecture graduates than [School of Architecture at Taliesin](/colleges/school-of-architecture-at-taliesin), which graduated 137 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study architecture). More students studied architecture as a percentage of total students at [Newschool of Architecture and Design](/colleges/newschool-of-architecture-and-design) than any other college.



 ### COST

 Architecture is the 114th most expensive degree in the US, with a median cost of $37,718 amongst the top 50 programs (just ahead of #115, [Finance](rankings/best-colleges-for-finance), with a median cost of $37,699).

 New England has the most expensive schools with great architecture programs predominantly led by [Tufts University](/colleges/tufts-university) with an annual cost of $57,324. The most expensive state for architecture is Connecticut led by [Yale University](/colleges/yale-university).

 Public schools with good programs typically charge 76.34% less than private schools for in-state students. However, when looking at out-of-state tuition, the median top 50 Public school charges 38.92% less than your average private school. So, if you're hoping to attend a state school, make sure you're eligible for in-state tuition as soon as possible.

 The most expensive top 25 college for architecture is [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york), which is the 3rd most expensive college in the nation. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce](/colleges/pontifical-catholic-university-of-puerto-rico-ponce). It costs just $4,920 per year, but it's ranked 95th for its architecture program. If you’re looking for the least expensive option in the top 25, [California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo](/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo)  is probably a good fit for you, ranked #5 with an in-state cost of just $5,742. Another more affordable pick would be #1, [University of Florida](/colleges/university-of-florida) in Alachua County, FL with a cost of $4,477 for in-state students and $25,694 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Enrolling in college is a serious investment for most undergraduates. It is important to ensure you get a nice return on your investment. We hope the following job placement and earnings info help you make an intelligent decision when choosing your focus.

 The average Architecture major earns a first year income of $50,402 a year (top 22%). With experience in their employment, they usually make something between $40,149 and $104,449, but average around $65,059. To put it in context, that's 68% more than the U.S. average.

 The most popular work position for an Architecture graduate is Engineer, which normally earn about $59,000; next are Architect And Developer and Systems Engineer/Architect, which predominantly earn near $81,000 and $57,000 respectively.

 The Far West has the best paid Architecture graduates. CA has the best paid Architecture alumni of any state. Big West Conference has the highest grossing Architecture graduates of any conference..



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for Architecture: Median Professor Rating: 3.8 / 5, which is below average.

 Instructors again and again play an influential role in shaping your college experience, no matter what you study. An amazing teacher might provide inspiration and set a student up for future success. On the flip side, an unpleasant professor can interrupt your schooling or even worse... flunk you!

 Architecture professors have a median student rating of 3.8 out of 5, putting them in the bottom 19 percent in the United States based on student satisfaction. For context that's 5% lower than the national median professor rating for all subjects. Professors of Architecture barely edged-out those from ["Computer and Information Sciences "](/rankings/best-colleges-for-computer-and-information-sciences), whereas ["Musicology and Ethnomusicology"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-musicology-and-ethnomusicology)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above Architecture.

 Now for some statistics about Architecture professors. Colleges located in remote rural areas tend to have the best Architecture professors. The Western Athletic Conference has the highest rated Architecture professors. The Far West region has the highest rated Architecture professors. Public colleges tend to have higher rated Architecture professors than private colleges. Finally, Maine has the highest rated Architecture professors in the nation.

 Ted Mosby, professor at [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspin New York, NY is the most popular Architecture professor in the nation. Kathleen Dunne, professor at [Pratt Institute-Main](/colleges/pratt-institute-main)&nbspin Brooklyn, NY is the highest rated Architecture professor in America, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Take a look at which colleges have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be a fabulously consequential time in one's life; it is a time for individual progress and expansion. Pupils start to capture what they desire to do with their lives and build the rudimentary skills to be a thriving member of society. But growth is not simply found in a classroom environment - the late nights discussing Thoreau with a schoolmate, the nugget of wisdom gained from a tenured instructor, the exposure to a different point of view. As such, finding a diverse college tremendously enhances what one gains from the time at college.

 Architecture is a more popular focus for students of color than white students. 49% of the United States' Architecture majors are white students, followed by latino students (19%), students of other races\*\*(19%), and asian students (7%). The most ethnically diverse college\* in the top 100 is [Washington University in St Louis](/colleges/washington-university-in-st-louis) located in Saint Louis, MO.

 Moreover, Architecture is diverse with respect to sex, with 47% of students majoring in Architecture identifying as women. [University of Utah](/colleges/university-of-utah) in Salt Lake City, UT has the most gender balanced student body in the top 100.

 Another significant type of diversity is economic diversity. Architecture is more economically diverse than 78% of programs. 27% of its students come from homes with a sub $30,000 annual income, 16% are from families with $30,000 to $48,000 annual incomes, and 26% grew up in families with $110,000 plus annual incomes. [University of North Carolina at Charlotte](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-charlotte) has the most financially diverse students in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall NJ is the most diverse state for Architecture. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the Pacific-12 Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 7%
* Black: 6%
* Latino: 19%
* White: 49%
* Other: 19%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 53%
* Female: 47%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 27%
* 30k - 48k: 16%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 15%
* Over 110k: 26%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 71%
* Out of State: 24%
* International: 5%


2023 Architecture Salary

There are about 10,594 students enrolled in Architecture in the USA.

SALARY