Architecture Degree in Lowell, MA — Salary & ROI 2026
Architecture degree analysis for Lowell, MA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$65K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$92K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
4.8 yrs
in Lowell
Cost of Living
112.5
index (100 = avg)
Architecture in Lowell, MA Overview
While Lowell has a smaller college scene with 5 institutions, Architecture students benefit from the close-knit academic community. Room and board averages $14,748/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Architecture enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in AutoCAD and Revit. The adjusted starting salary in Lowell is approximately $65,250.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
5
Public Tuition
$16,100/yr
Private Tuition
$48,000/yr
Room & Board
$14,748/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$14,502/yr
Unemployment
3%
Graduation Rate
73%
Architecture Salary in Lowell (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Lowell's cost of living index of 112.5 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Architecture salary: $58,000 starting, $82,000 mid-career, $105,000 senior level.Lowell adjustment factor: 1.13x based on the local cost of living index.
Architecture ROI Calculator for Lowell
Estimate your return on investment for a Architecture degree using local Lowell tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $16,100 | Private avg: $48,000
Lowell avg aid: $14,502/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$123,392
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$25,875
vs HS diploma in Lowell
ROI Payback Period
4.8 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Lowell
$416,608
Lifetime earnings premium ($540,000) minus total education cost ($123,392)
Student Loan Payoff for Architecture in Lowell
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Lowell for Architecture
Lowell State University
public
$16,448/yr
$65,792 total
University of Lowell
public
$18,005/yr
$72,020 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Lowell Community College
$6,184/yr
Top Employers for Architecture in Lowell
Lowell offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Architecture graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Lowell Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Architecture Job Titles
Architecture in Nearby Massachusetts Cities
Boston, MA
$79K starting · COL 137
24 colleges
Worcester, MA
$68K starting · COL 117
11 colleges
Springfield, MA
$77K starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Cambridge, MA
$77K starting · COL 133
6 colleges
Brockton, MA
$63K starting · COL 108.5
5 colleges
Quincy, MA
$75K starting · COL 128.5
4 colleges
New Bedford, MA
$59K starting · COL 102.5
4 colleges
Lynn, MA
$69K starting · COL 118.5
4 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Lowell
UX Design
$56K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$56K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$56K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Graphic Design
$54K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Interior Design
$56K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$56K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$56K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$56K starting · 9 yr ROI
Architecture Degree in Lowell — 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 Lowell.