Architecture Degree in Ann Arbor, MI — Salary & ROI 2026
Architecture degree analysis for Ann Arbor, MI. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$49K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$70K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
5.3 yrs
in Ann Arbor
Cost of Living
85
index (100 = avg)
Architecture in Ann Arbor, MI Overview
Ann Arbor, Michigan (pop. 123,851) has 14 colleges offering Architecture programs. The local cost of living index of 85 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $1,014/month. Architecture enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in AutoCAD and Revit. The adjusted starting salary in Ann Arbor is approximately $49,300.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
14
Public Tuition
$16,736/yr
Private Tuition
$33,100/yr
Room & Board
$9,067/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$16,913/yr
Unemployment
5.3%
Graduation Rate
65%
Architecture Salary in Ann Arbor (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Ann Arbor's cost of living index of 85 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Architecture salary: $58,000 starting, $82,000 mid-career, $105,000 senior level.Ann Arbor adjustment factor: 0.85x based on the local cost of living index.
Architecture ROI Calculator for Ann Arbor
Estimate your return on investment for a Architecture degree using local Ann Arbor tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $16,736 | Private avg: $33,100
Ann Arbor avg aid: $16,913/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$103,212
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$19,550
vs HS diploma in Ann Arbor
ROI Payback Period
5.3 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Ann Arbor
$304,788
Lifetime earnings premium ($408,000) minus total education cost ($103,212)
Student Loan Payoff for Architecture in Ann Arbor
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Ann Arbor for Architecture
University of Michigan
public
$16,736/yr
$66,944 total
Concordia University Ann Arbor
private
$33,100/yr
$132,400 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Washtenaw Community College
$3,600/yr
Top Employers for Architecture in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Architecture graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Ann Arbor Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Architecture Job Titles
Architecture in Nearby Michigan Cities
Detroit, MI
$50K starting · COL 87
43 colleges
Grand Rapids, MI
$51K starting · COL 88
10 colleges
Warren, MI
$51K starting · COL 88.5
6 colleges
Sterling Heights, MI
$54K starting · COL 92.8
5 colleges
Lansing, MI
$49K starting · COL 85
6 colleges
Dearborn, MI
$52K starting · COL 90.5
5 colleges
Clinton Township, MI
$56K starting · COL 96.2
4 colleges
Canton Township, MI
$54K starting · COL 93.5
4 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Ann Arbor
UX Design
$43K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$43K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$43K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Graphic Design
$41K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Interior Design
$43K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$43K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$43K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$43K starting · 9 yr ROI
Architecture Degree in Ann Arbor — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Architecture ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Ann Arbor.