2026 Best Value General Architecture Schools
Looking for the best-value General Architecture programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 133 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value General Architecture Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
North Dakota State University Main Campus tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value General Architecture programs schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
You'll get strong value at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. The median General Architecture program debt is $28,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,902. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
A rank of #3 makes Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce one of the best values in the United States. Based in Ponce, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,650. The median General Architecture program debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,908. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #4 on this year's best-value General Architecture ranking in the United States. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public school based in San Luis Obispo, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 31%. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh General Architecture students take on a median of $25,886 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $25,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median General Architecture program debt is $29,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in Alfred, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,892, compared with $16,837 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $50,445 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College Of Technology At Alfred profile
Louisiana Tech University placed #10 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Students borrow a median of $23,846 to complete their General Architecture program here. Louisiana Tech University alumni report median earnings of $52,279 a decade after entry. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Mississippi State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Mississippi State University
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. The median General Architecture program debt is $28,192. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Set against $28,192 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University Of Houston ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. University Of Houston General Architecture students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Houston report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical General Architecture student debt is $23,138. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Boston Architectural College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boston, MA, Boston Architectural College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,470. The median General Architecture program debt is $53,192. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,123 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Boston Architectural College
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #17 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. The median General Architecture program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median General Architecture program debt is $25,449. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,449 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Auburn University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,337 ten years after entry. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln General Architecture students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of California Berkeley ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley General Architecture students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their General Architecture program here. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Arkansas landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. The median General Architecture program debt is $27,250. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Arkansas
The University Of Tennessee landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. The University Of Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
University Of Notre Dame landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,419 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $99,980. That is a strong return on a $28,419 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station General Architecture students take on a median of $18,465 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $18,465 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Architecture Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University placed #28 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,785, while out-of-state students pay about $17,725. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,349. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 21% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Clemson University General Architecture students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on Clemson University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities General Architecture students take on a median of $22,284 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Morgan State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,229, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. The median General Architecture program debt is $30,500. Morgan State University alumni report median earnings of $50,698 a decade after entry. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Morgan State University
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Ball State University General Architecture students take on a median of $28,670 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Set against $28,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Ball State University
Texas Tech University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median General Architecture program debt is $21,699. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $21,699 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Typical General Architecture student debt is $22,654. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Harvard University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their General Architecture program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Harvard University profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,600 in student loans. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Marywood University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Marywood University General Architecture students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marywood University report
University Of Miami offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit school based in Coral Gables, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,616. Typical General Architecture student debt is $17,750. Median earnings reach $75,328 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 19% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Miami
Yale University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. The median General Architecture program debt is $14,357. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Yale University
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. The median General Architecture program debt is $13,516. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their General Architecture program here. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Hawaii At Manoa placed #45 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. Graduates carry a median of $20,577 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,624. That is a strong return on a $20,577 median debt. University Of Hawaii At Manoa has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
Prairie View A And M University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Prairie View A And M University is a public school based in Prairie View, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,299, compared with $26,874 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $30,429. Median earnings reach $45,411 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Prairie View A And M University profile
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus General Architecture students take on a median of $20,423 in debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #48 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. The University Of Texas At Arlington General Architecture students take on a median of $23,535 in debt. The University Of Texas At Arlington alumni report median earnings of $63,199 a decade after entry. Set against $23,535 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Kent, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,840 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. Set against $23,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Florida landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $19,843 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $19,843 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Rice University placed #52 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Rice University General Architecture students take on a median of $11,904 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,718. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rice University report
Drury University offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Based in Springfield, MO, Drury University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,745. Typical General Architecture student debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,694. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drury University admits about 58% of applicants. Read more about Drury University
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,067 to complete their General Architecture program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,067 median debt. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University
Best Value General Architecture Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value General Architecture Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 133 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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