Best institutions to study Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and related construction projects.
106 U.S. institutions graduated 1,734 Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.1303, a specialization of Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.13), and leads most directly to the Architectural and Civil Drafters occupation (BLS SOC 17-3011).
About Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and related construction projects. Includes instruction in basic construction and structural design, architectural rendering, architectural-aided drafting (CAD), layout and designs, architectural blueprint interpretation, building materials, and basic structural wiring diagramming.
See also: 04.0901 - Architectural Technology/Technician., 04.0201 - Architecture.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD program prepares students to apply technical knowledge and skills in creating working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and construction projects. This program is ideal for individuals interested in the intersection of design and technology, focusing on the practical aspects of architectural drafting and design engineering technologies.
Students will gain essential skills in reading and interpreting blueprints, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and understanding construction and structural design principles. Coursework covers topics such as architectural rendering, layout design, and building materials, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary for effective drafting.
Credentials awarded
What Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year636 graduates / yr · 63 institutions37%
- Associate's degree568 graduates / yr · 57 institutions33%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years206 graduates / yr · 28 institutions12%
- Bachelor's degree185 graduates / yr · 3 institutions11%
- Master's degree73 graduates / yr · 3 institutions4.2%
- Award of less than 12 weeks63 graduates / yr · 4 institutions3.6%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years3 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,632 |
| 2013 | 1,479 |
| 2014 | 1,340 |
| 2015 | 1,244 |
| 2016 | 1,228 |
| 2017 | 1,194 |
| 2018 | 1,332 |
| 2019 | 1,288 |
| 2020 | 1,249 |
| 2021 | 1,159 |
| 2022 | 1,321 |
| 2023 | 1,360 |
| 2024 | 1,622 |
| 2025 | 1,734 |
Top 50 institutions for Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 201 | 69% | $44,902 | — |
| 2 | City Colleges of Chicago - Harold Washington College Chicago, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 82 | 26% | — | — |
| 3 | Dallas College Dallas, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 72 | 32% | — | — |
| 4 | Montgomery College Rockville, MDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 58 | 32% | — | — |
| 5 | CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, NYPublicAssociate's | 57 | 21% | — | — |
| 6 | Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NVPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 49 | 32% | — | — |
| 7 | Academy of Art University San Francisco, CAPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 43 | 34% | $40,294 | $48,978 |
| 8 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology Kirkland, WAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 41 | 37% | — | — |
| 9 | Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington, KYPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 40 | 43% | — | — |
| 10 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 37 | 20% | — | — |
| 11 | Anne Arundel Community College Arnold, MDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 34 | 31% | — | — |
| 12 | Austin Community College District Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 34 | 20% | — | $45,343 |
| 13 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 34 | 46% | — | $43,742 |
| 14 | Northeast Community College Norfolk, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 33 | 56% | — | — |
| 15 | Triton College River Grove, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 32 | 29% | — | — |
| 16 | Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha, NEPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 32 | 29% | — | — |
| 17 | Anoka Technical College Anoka, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 31 | 66% | — | — |
| 18 | El Paso Community College El Paso, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 30 | 24% | — | — |
| 19 | Rio Hondo College Whittier, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 29 | 25% | — | — |
| 20 | Fullerton College Fullerton, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 28 | 34% | — | — |
| 21 | Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 28 | 43% | — | — |
| 22 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 28 | 31% | — | — |
| 23 | William Rainey Harper College Palatine, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 27 | 48% | — | — |
| 24 | Francis Tuttle Technology Center Oklahoma City, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 27 | 52% | — | — |
| 25 | Lewis and Clark Community College Godfrey, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 26 | 44% | — | — |
| 26 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 40% | — | $41,467 |
| 27 | Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 21 | 17% | — | — |
| 28 | Wharton County Junior College Wharton, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 27% | — | — |
| 29 | College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, ILPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 19 | 25% | — | — |
| 30 | Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MNPublicAssociate's | 18 | 42% | — | $49,539 |
| 31 | Portland Community College Portland, ORPublicAssociate's | 18 | 18% | — | $54,198 |
| 32 | College of the Canyons Santa Clarita, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 45% | — | — |
| 33 | Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 17 | 56% | — | — |
| 34 | Del Mar College Corpus Christi, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 11% | — | — |
| 35 | Southern Oklahoma Technology Center Ardmore, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 83% | — | — |
| 36 | Minnesota State Community and Technical College Fergus Falls, MNPublicAssociate's | 15 | 47% | — | $44,988 |
| 37 | Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg, PAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 21% | — | — |
| 38 | Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WIPublicAssociate's | 15 | 44% | — | $46,460 |
| 39 | St Cloud Technical and Community College Saint Cloud, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 45% | — | $45,565 |
| 40 | CUNY Queensborough Community College Bayside, NYPublicAssociate's | 14 | 24% | — | — |
| 41 | Autry Technology Center Enid, OKPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 75% | — | — |
| 42 | Macomb Community College Warren, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 13 | 18% | — | $44,701 |
| 43 | Stark State College North Canton, OHPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 23% | — | — |
| 44 | Porter & Chester Institute Bridgeport, CTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 45% | $18,216 | $40,650 |
| 45 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 56% | — | — |
| 46 | Cabrillo College Aptos, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 38% | — | — |
| 47 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 38% | — | — |
| 48 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 38% | — | $41,599 |
| 49 | Trident Technical College Charleston, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 30% | — | — |
| 50 | Palomar College San Marcos, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 9 | 38% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.13) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 32 states & territories
Where Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD graduates come from. Each state links to all Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3011, Architectural and Civil Drafters, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program typically pursue careers as Architectural and Civil Drafters. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.1% and approximately 10,000 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is $64,280, with an Associate's degree being the typical educational requirement.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.1303
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Architectural and Civil Draftersprimary SOC 17-3011 | $66,150 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~10,000 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
- Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
- Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
Tools and technology used
Other Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.13).
- Drafting and Design Technology/CIP 15.1301
Technician 4,212 graduates / yr217 institutions - CAD/CIP 15.1302
CADD Drafting and/ or Design Technology/ Technician 3,206 graduates / yr179 institutions - Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CIP 15.1306
CADD 911 graduates / yr101 institutions - Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CIP 15.1304
CADD 87 graduates / yr12 institutions - Electrical/CIP 15.1305
Electronics Drafting and Electrical/ Electronics CAD/ CADD 76 graduates / yr12 institutions - 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/CIP 15.1307
Technician 62 graduates / yr13 institutions - Drafting/CIP 15.1399
Design Engineering Technologies/ Technicians partial data57 graduates / yr8 institutions
See all Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of degrees are offered in this program?+
Degrees include an Associate's degree, awards of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years, and awards of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, mathematics, and using CAD software for drafting.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook for Architectural and Civil Drafters is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.1%.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 106 colleges in the U.S. offering the Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD program.
What is the CIP code for Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD?+
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD is CIP 15.1303 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.13). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to develop working drawings and electronic simulations for architectural and related construction projects. Includes instruction in basic construction and structural design, architectural rendering, architectural-aided drafting (CAD), layout and designs, architectural blueprint interpretation, building materials, and basic structural wiring diagramming.
How many institutions offer Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD programs?+
106 U.S. institutions reported Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 32 states & territories, awarding 1,734 credentials in the year. That is 16.8% of all Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Architectural and Civil Drafters occupation, which Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD most directly leads to, pays a median of $66,150 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $44,988 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
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.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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