Best colleges for Architecture in Illinois
Ranked by graduate earnings
Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Judson University and University of Illinois Chicago are the top bachelor's Architecture programs in Illinois by graduate earnings. Southern Illinois University - Carbondale leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $43,248, College Scorecard. University of Illinois Chicago, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale and Judson University award the most Architecture degrees in Illinois: 105, 65 and 40 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 3 Illinois colleges offer Architecture and award 210 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 3 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 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,248 | 65 | 62% | — | $25,000 |
| 2 | Judson University Elgin Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,033 | 40 | 60% | $25,200 | $26,221 |
| 3 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago Public · Bachelor's degree | $27,525 | 105 | 62% | — | $23,840 |
Colleges awarding the most Architecture degrees in Illinois
Top 3 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 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago Public | 105 | $27,525 |
| 2 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale Public | 65 | $43,248 |
| 3 | Judson University Elgin Private not-for-profit | 40 | $41,033 |
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 Illinois
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Architecture programs in Illinois.
Which Illinois colleges award the most Architecture degrees?+
University of Illinois Chicago (105 graduates a year), Southern Illinois University - Carbondale (65 graduates a year) and Judson University (40 graduates a year) award the most Architecture degrees in Illinois, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 3 Illinois colleges offer Architecture.
What is the best college for Architecture in Illinois?+
By graduate earnings, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale leads among bachelor's Architecture programs in Illinois, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $43,248, College Scorecard. Judson University and University of Illinois Chicago follow. By degrees awarded, University of Illinois Chicago is the largest, with 105 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Architecture program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale tops the list at $43,248. 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 Illinois?+
The average annual wage for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in Illinois is $92,840 (median $81,780), across about 5,130 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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