California · Architecture

Best Architecture institutions in California, ranked by earnings

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…

Institutions
7
offering CIP 04.02
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
303
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$50,917
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
4
College Scorecard
Median net price
$37,121
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
80%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
$123,130
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 4 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo Public · Bachelor's degree
$60,634686%$27,500
2California State Polytechnic University - Pomona
Pomona Public · Bachelor's degree
$57,51410868%$28,000
3University of California - Berkeley
Berkeley Public · Bachelor's degree
$50,91711793%$15,000
4University of San Francisco
San Francisco Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$37,5563570%$37,121$27,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Architects, Except Landscape and Naval (SOC 17-1011).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+3.9%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~7,800
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$96,690
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Critical ThinkingSpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingMonitoring

What Architects, Except Landscape and Naval earn in California

Jobs in California
13,880
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$123,130
median $105,840
Best-paying metro
$152,210
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Related careers

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
$123,130 avg · 13,880 jobs
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
$130,200 avg · 940 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Architecture programs in California.

Which Architecture program in California has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo tops the list at $60,634. Compare it against completions, 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 $123,130 (median $105,840), across about 13,880 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

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).

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