2026 Best Value General Architecture Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Architecture bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 133 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found California State Polytechnic University Pomona to be the best-value General Architecture school in the United States. Located in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,781 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona General Architecture students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Out of the 133 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #2 spot. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. The median General Architecture program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #3 makes Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce one of the best values in the United States. Set in Ponce, PR, Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,650. The median General Architecture program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $24,908 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. The median General Architecture program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Alfred, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,892 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,837. Suny College Of Technology At Alfred General Architecture students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,445 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny College Of Technology At Alfred
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $25,886. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $25,886 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,390 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Mississippi State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mississippi State, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, with out-of-state students paying around $27,637. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Mississippi State University alumni report median earnings of $51,513 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
University Of Houston placed #10 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston General Architecture students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston report
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. The median General Architecture program debt is $28,192. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,192 median debt. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical General Architecture student debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,138 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Boston Architectural College placed #13 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Boston Architectural College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,470. Students borrow a median of $53,192 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $62,123 ten years out. Set against $53,192 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Boston Architectural College profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,785, compared with $17,725 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,349 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 21% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University profile
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #18 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical General Architecture student debt is $21,000. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
The University Of Tennessee landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $27,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,250 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
University Of Notre Dame offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. Students borrow a median of $28,419 to complete their General Architecture program here. University Of Notre Dame alumni report median earnings of $99,980 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,419 median debt. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
University Of California Berkeley placed #23 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley General Architecture students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Morgan State University placed #24 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,229, compared with $19,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $30,500 in student loans. 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. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Morgan State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $22,284 to complete their General Architecture program here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Students borrow a median of $28,670 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,670 median debt. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Ball State University report
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $22,654. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,654 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Architecture Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Marywood University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Typical General Architecture student debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read more about Marywood University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus General Architecture students take on a median of $22,600 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,600 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #31 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete their General Architecture program here. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $143,372 a decade after entry. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology report
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about Clemson University
Yale University ranked #33 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. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $100,533. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Yale University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based 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. The median General Architecture program debt is $20,423. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Graduates carry a median of $23,840 in student loans. University Of Illinois At Chicago alumni report median earnings of $68,740 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #36 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,535 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,199 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report
Rice University placed #37 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,718 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants. See the full Rice University profile
Drury University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,745. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,694. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Drury University has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on Drury University
Texas Tech University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. The median General Architecture program debt is $21,699. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $21,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. University Of California Los Angeles General Architecture students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $18,465 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $18,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Prairie View A And M University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,874. Typical General Architecture student debt is $30,429. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,411 ten years after entry. Set against $30,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Prairie View A And M University
Arizona State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical General Architecture student debt is $21,067. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $21,067 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $23,965 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At San Antonio ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Set in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,326 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Typical General Architecture student debt is $23,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,131. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio profile
Drexel University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. Drexel University General Architecture students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Drexel University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute placed #48 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,078. The median General Architecture program debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,051 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute admits about 64% of applicants. See the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute profile
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $19,843 to complete their General Architecture program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $19,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Kentucky came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete their General Architecture program here. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Keene State College placed #52 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Keene, NH, Keene State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,784, while out-of-state students pay about $26,840. The median General Architecture program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $54,368 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Keene State College
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
Catholic University Of America offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. Based in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,378. Typical General Architecture student debt is $27,000. Catholic University Of America alumni report median earnings of $73,250 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Catholic University Of America admits about 83% of applicants. More on Catholic University Of America
Related General Architecture Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value General Architecture Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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