Best colleges for Architecture in Pennsylvania
Ranked by graduate earnings
Pennsylvania State University, Drexel University and Marywood University are the top bachelor's Architecture programs in Pennsylvania by graduate earnings. Pennsylvania State University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $60,898, College Scorecard. Pennsylvania State University, Drexel University and Marywood University award the most Architecture degrees in Pennsylvania: 56, 44 and 44 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 7 Pennsylvania colleges offer Architecture and award 254 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 | Pennsylvania State University University Park Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,898 | 56 | 86% | — | $30,440 |
| 2 | Drexel University Philadelphia Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $57,730 | 44 | 78% | $36,004 | $31,000 |
| 3 | Marywood University Scranton Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $48,650 | 44 | 72% | $21,769 | $31,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Architecture degrees in Pennsylvania
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 | Pennsylvania State University University Park Public | 56 | $60,898 |
| 2 | Drexel University Philadelphia Private not-for-profit | 44 | $57,730 |
| 3 | Marywood University Scranton Private not-for-profit | 44 | $48,650 |
| 4 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh Public | 44 | Not reported |
| 5 | Lehigh University Bethlehem Private not-for-profit | 30 | Not reported |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Private not-for-profit | 25 | Not reported |
| 7 | Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh Private not-for-profit | 11 | Not reported |
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 Pennsylvania
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Architecture programs in Pennsylvania.
Which Pennsylvania colleges award the most Architecture degrees?+
Pennsylvania State University (56 graduates a year), Drexel University (44 graduates a year) and Marywood University (44 graduates a year) award the most Architecture degrees in Pennsylvania, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 7 Pennsylvania colleges offer Architecture.
What is the best college for Architecture in Pennsylvania?+
By graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University leads among bachelor's Architecture programs in Pennsylvania, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $60,898, College Scorecard. Drexel University and Marywood University follow. By degrees awarded, Pennsylvania State University is the largest, with 56 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Architecture program in Pennsylvania has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Pennsylvania State University tops the list at $60,898. 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 Pennsylvania?+
The average annual wage for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval in Pennsylvania is $98,700 (median $97,030), across about 3,760 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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