Best colleges for Architecture in California
Ranked by graduate earnings
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, University of California-Berkeley and University of San Francisco are the top bachelor's Architecture programs in California by graduate earnings. California State Polytechnic University - Pomona leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $57,514, College Scorecard. California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, University of California-Berkeley and California State University - Fresno award the most Architecture degrees in California: 116, 108 and 37 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 7 California colleges offer Architecture and award 330 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Architecture program offers students an in-depth exploration of architectural design and construction. Typically spanning three to four years, this program prepares students for advanced studies in architecture or a professional career…
Top 4 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona Public · Bachelor's degree | $57,514 | 116 | 68% | — | $28,000 |
| 2 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,917 | 108 | 93% | — | $15,000 |
| 3 | University of San Francisco San Francisco Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $37,556 | 37 | 70% | $37,121 | $27,000 |
| 4 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $60,634 | 2 | 86% | — | $27,500 |
Colleges awarding the most Architecture degrees in California
Top 7 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona Public | 116 | $57,514 |
| 2 | University of California-Berkeley Berkeley Public | 108 | $50,917 |
| 3 | California State University - Fresno Fresno Public | 37 | Not reported |
| 4 | University of San Francisco San Francisco Private not-for-profit | 37 | $37,556 |
| 5 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles Public | 21 | Not reported |
| 6 | University of Southern California Los Angeles Private not-for-profit | 9 | Not reported |
| 7 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo Public | 2 | $60,634 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (SOC 17-1011).
Top skills
What Architects, Except Landscape and Naval earn in California
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Architecture programs in California.
Which California colleges award the most Architecture degrees?+
California State Polytechnic University - Pomona (116 graduates a year), University of California-Berkeley (108 graduates a year) and California State University - Fresno (37 graduates a year) award the most Architecture degrees in California, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 7 California colleges offer Architecture.
What is the best college for Architecture in California?+
By graduate earnings, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona leads among bachelor's Architecture programs in California, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $57,514, College Scorecard. University of California-Berkeley and University of San Francisco follow. By degrees awarded, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is the largest, with 116 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Architecture program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, California State Polytechnic University - Pomona tops the list at $57,514. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Architects, Except Landscape and Naval earn in California?+
The average annual wage for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in California is $121,910 (median $108,540), across about 13,270 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Architecture program?+
The Architecture program offers students an in-depth exploration of architectural design and construction. Typically spanning three to four years, this program prepares students for advanced studies in architecture or a professional career…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, speaking, reading comprehension, active listening, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval?+
The national job outlook is about +3.9% growth with around 7,800 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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