Best colleges for Architectural Engineering
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Architectural Engineering by graduate earnings are California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo ($80,481), Pennsylvania State University ($80,070) and Auburn University ($77,115), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA): $80,481, 89 graduates a year
- Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA): $80,070, 181 graduates a year
- Auburn University (Auburn, AL): $77,115, 227 graduates a year
- University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS): $76,353, 36 graduates a year
- Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA): $76,272, 30 graduates a year
Compare 30 U.S. colleges offering Architectural Engineering by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 21 states.
Architectural Engineering programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $73,510 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 14.04 and the Architectural and Engineering Managers occupation (BLS SOC).
About Architectural Engineering programs
Architectural Engineering is a specialized field within engineering that focuses on the design and construction of buildings. This discipline integrates various engineering principles, including environmental, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, to create functional and sustainable infrastructure. It is ideal for students interested in the technical aspects of building design and construction, distinguishing itself from traditional architecture and interior design.
In this program, students develop essential skills in reading comprehension, mathematics, and critical thinking. Coursework typically covers design principles, engineering technology, and project management, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to tackle complex architectural projects effectively.
Top 13 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. 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 Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $80,481 | 89 | 86% | — | $25,116 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $80,070 | 181 | 86% | — | $31,000 |
| 3 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $77,115 | 227 | 82% | — | $22,000 |
| 4 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $76,353 | 36 | 69% | — | $23,000 |
| 5 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $76,272 | 30 | 78% | $36,004 | $31,000 |
| 6 | Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Public · Bachelor's degree | $74,091 | 47 | 71% | — | $27,000 |
| 7 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $73,510 | 58 | 89% | — | $25,701 |
| 8 | Missouri University of Science and Technology Rolla, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $73,274 | 45 | 64% | — | $27,000 |
| 9 | University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $72,691 | 29 | 75% | — | $25,880 |
| 10 | University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $72,567 | 55 | 74% | — | $15,165 |
| 11 | North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $67,152 | 37 | 57% | — | $28,608 |
| 12 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WY Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $66,497 | 18 | 59% | — | — |
| 13 | Texas A&M University - Kingsville Kingsville, TX Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $55,459 | 19 | 42% | — | $24,743 |
Specializations within Architectural Engineering
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 14.04 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 21 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Californialimited | 1 | $80,481 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | $80,070 | Pennsylvania State University |
| Alabamalimited | 2 | $77,115 | Auburn University |
| Kansaslimited | 2 | $76,353 | University of Kansas |
| Texas | 4 | $73,510 | The University of Texas at Austin |
| Missourilimited | 1 | $73,274 | Missouri University of Science and Technology |
| Ohiolimited | 1 | $72,691 | University of Cincinnati |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | $72,567 | University of Colorado Boulder |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | $67,152 | North Carolina A & T State University |
| Wyominglimited | 1 | $66,497 | University of Wyoming |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-9041, Architectural and Engineering Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of Architectural Engineering can expect a positive job outlook, with a growth rate of about 3.8% and approximately 14,500 annual openings in the field. The median wage for professionals in this area is $167,740, and a typical educational requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Architectural Engineering
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 14.04.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 14.04 (Architectural Engineering) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managersprimary |
| 17-2199 | Engineers, All Other |
| 25-1031 | Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-1032 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Architectural Engineering programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
- Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
- Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
- Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
- Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
- Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.
Common questions
What is Architectural Engineering?+
Architectural Engineering focuses on the engineering and construction of buildings, integrating various engineering disciplines.
What skills will I learn?+
Students will gain skills in mathematics, critical thinking, design, and project management.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is positive, with a growth rate of 3.8% and about 14,500 annual openings.
What is the average salary for Architectural Engineers?+
The median wage for Architectural Engineers is $167,740.
How much do Architectural Engineering graduates earn?+
Architectural Engineering graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $73,510, College Scorecard (2019); the Architectural and Engineering Managers occupation pays about $181,540 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Architectural Engineering?+
Architectural Engineering maps to CIP 14.04 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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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