2026 Best Value Architecture And Related Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Architecture And Related Services doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 387 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 build 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 Architecture And Related Services Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is North Carolina State University At Raleigh, our #1 best-value Architecture And Related Services school in the United States. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $25,823. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,823 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Clemson University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Students borrow a median of $22,765 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Set against $22,765 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read more about Clemson University
Out of the 387 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of California Berkeley landed the #3 spot. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Architecture And Related Services ranking in the United States. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $29,630. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,630 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
A rank of #5 makes Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. 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 Architecture And Related Services program debt is $28,192. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Texas Tech University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $22,007. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $23,965 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $23,965 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $31,123 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,592. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. See the full Illinois Institute Of Technology profile
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. University Of California Los Angeles Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $16,097 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $18,939 in student loans. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,939 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Georgia ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Cornell University placed #13 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $17,011. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Set against $17,011 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about Cornell University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $22,654. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $22,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Kansas ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $25,000. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $62,396. Students borrow a median of $13,516 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $21,291 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $21,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
University Of Pennsylvania placed #19 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $16,155. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Colorado Denver ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Based in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,414 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Denver
Harvard University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $16,616. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Harvard University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $19,819. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $19,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of California Irvine came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $16,539 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Irvine
Arizona State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $20,995. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $20,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Arizona State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Architecture And Related Services Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Florida landed the #25 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, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $19,843 in debt. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Set against $19,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Hawaii At Manoa offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public school based in Honolulu, HI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $22,047 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,624 ten years after entry. Set against $22,047 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Hawaii At Manoa
University Of Oregon came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,324 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oregon admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Oregon
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $22,768 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Set against $22,768 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. University Of Massachusetts Amherst Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $25,190 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,631 ten years after entry. Set against $25,190 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #32 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Located in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University New Brunswick has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Florida State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $20,488. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Florida State University report
Columbia University In The City Of New York offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $23,258. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,491. Set against $23,258 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Southern California landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. Students borrow a median of $29,263 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Median earnings reach $92,498 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,263 median debt. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Southern California profile
Ohio State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $26,694. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $26,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Santa Monica College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. See the full Santa Monica College profile
College Of The Desert offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Get the full College Of The Desert report
Drury University
Drury University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Read the full report on Drury University
Utah State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. See the full Utah State University profile
Cosumnes River College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Get the full Cosumnes River College report
New Mexico State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on New Mexico State University Main Campus
San Diego State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. More on San Diego State University
El Camino Community College District ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Read the full report on El Camino Community College District
Kean University
Kean University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Kean University
Brown University
Brown University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. More on Brown University
Oral Roberts University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Oral Roberts University
Santa Rosa Junior College placed #49 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Read more about Santa Rosa Junior College
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Related Architecture And Related Services Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 387 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).