Architecture Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Design of buildings and structures balancing aesthetics, function, and safety.
Starting Salary
$52K
median
Mid-Career
$82K
salary
ROI Payback
5.5 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
3.5%
rate
Architecture Overview
Design of buildings and structures balancing aesthetics, function, and safety.
Category
Arts & Design
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
60%
Enrollment Trend
stable
Online Available
Limited
Underemployment
15%
Lifetime Premium
$480K
Female Graduates
45%
Architecture Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$22,500
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$22,500
after scholarships
ROI Payback
1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$457,500
Lifetime earnings premium ($480,000) minus net degree cost ($22,500)
Architecture Salary Progression
Common Architecture Careers
Architect
Design Manager
Urban Designer
Project Architect
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for Architecture
#1
MIT
#2
Cornell
#3
Columbia
#4
Rice
#5
SCI-Arc
Related Majors
Architecture Degree FAQ
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