2026 Best Value General Architecture Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Architecture master’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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking 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. The median General Architecture program debt is $27,000. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $27,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. Set against $27,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
You'll get strong value at California State Polytechnic University Pomona, which ranked #3 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, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. California State Polytechnic University Pomona General Architecture students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,902 ten years after entry. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. More on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin General Architecture students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Out of the 133 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Texas A And M University College Station landed the #5 spot. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. The median General Architecture program debt is $18,465. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,465 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,846 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
Texas Tech University placed #7 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $21,699. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $21,699 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
University Of California Berkeley placed #8 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical General Architecture student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles General Architecture students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. 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. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Arkansas
Prairie View A And M University ranked #13 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,299, while out-of-state students pay about $26,874. The median General Architecture program debt is $30,429. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,411 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Prairie View A And M University
Auburn University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University General Architecture students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. More on Auburn University
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical General Architecture student debt is $21,829. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their General Architecture program here. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Yale University
University Of Florida came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. University Of Florida General Architecture students take on a median of $19,843 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $19,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Florida
The University Of Tennessee came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The median General Architecture program debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Tennessee
University Of Notre Dame came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. The median General Architecture program debt is $28,419. University Of Notre Dame alumni report median earnings of $99,980 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Ball State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,670 median debt. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Ball State University
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $143,372 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,600 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,600 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Kent State University At Kent placed #23 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
Harvard University landed the #27 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. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Harvard University
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University placed #29 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,785, with out-of-state students paying around $17,725. The median General Architecture program debt is $27,000. 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. Roughly 21% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Architecture Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #30 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, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Chicago General Architecture students take on a median of $23,840 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,840 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Louisiana Lafayette placed #31 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Lafayette, LA, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,418, while out-of-state students pay about $24,146. University Of Louisiana Lafayette General Architecture students take on a median of $24,373 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,089. Set against $24,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Louisiana Lafayette
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $25,234. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
Norwich University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,740. Norwich University General Architecture students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Norwich University alumni report median earnings of $65,575 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Norwich University admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Norwich University
University At Buffalo landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. The median General Architecture program debt is $22,854. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,814 ten years after entry. Set against $22,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University At Buffalo report
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,078. The median General Architecture program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $102,051 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Portland State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,906 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Portland State University profile
Catholic University Of America offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,250. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Catholic University Of America report
Florida International University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,349 in student loans. Florida International University alumni report median earnings of $60,249 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Florida International University
University Of Kentucky landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. University Of Kentucky General Architecture students take on a median of $24,125 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about University Of Kentucky
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #42 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. The median General Architecture program debt is $18,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Idaho landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,900 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,670. Set against $24,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Idaho admits about 76% of applicants. More on University Of Idaho
The University Of Texas At Brownsville came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. More on The University Of Texas At Brownsville
University Of Maine At Augusta ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. See the full University Of Maine At Augusta profile
East Mississippi Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Read more about East Mississippi Community College
Pennsylvania College Of Technology landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Pennsylvania College Of Technology
Ithaca College
Ithaca College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Read the full report on Ithaca College
Connecticut College placed #44 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. More on Connecticut College
University Of San Francisco offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. More on University Of San Francisco
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
Utah Valley University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Read more about Utah Valley University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
New Mexico State University Dona Ana ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Get the full New Mexico State University Dona Ana report
Suny College Of Technology At Delhi landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Suny College Of Technology At Delhi
Related General Architecture Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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