Best Architecture Colleges

When it comes to pursuing a career in architecture, choosing the right college is crucial. The quality of education and training received can significantly impact future job prospects. With so many architecture colleges, it can be challenging to determine which ones are the best.

Fortunately, there are several resources available to help students make informed decisions. Niche.com, for example, provides a comprehensive ranking of the best architecture colleges in the United States. This ranking is based on factors such as academics, campus life, and career outcomes. Other resources, such as GradReports and US News, also provide valuable insights into the top architecture colleges in the country.

Students interested in pursuing a career in architecture should carefully consider their options before deciding. By researching the best architecture colleges and evaluating factors such as location, cost, and curriculum, students can ensure that they receive the education and training they need to succeed in this competitive field.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Annual Cost

UCLA’s annual cost for in-state students is approximately $35,000, while out-of-state students pay around $62,000 per year. However, students needing financial aid can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans to offset some costs.

Enrollment

As of fall 2021, UCLA has an undergraduate enrollment of 32,119 students, making it one of the largest universities in California. The university’s diverse student body comprises individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities.

SAT Range

The SAT score range for UCLA is 1330-1530, with an average score of 1425. The university considers several factors when evaluating applicants, including their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

UCLA offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture and Urban Design. The Bachelor of Arts program focuses on design theory, history, and cultural studies, while the Bachelor of Science program emphasizes technical and scientific aspects of architecture.

Communication and Mathematics

UCLA’s Architecture and Urban Design program emphasizes communication skills, including visual, written, and oral communication. The program also emphasizes mathematics and physics, as these subjects are essential for understanding the technical aspects of architecture.

Engineering and Landscape Architecture

UCLA’s Architecture and Urban Design program is housed in the School of Arts and Architecture, which also offers engineering and landscape architecture programs. This interdisciplinary approach allows students better to understand the built environment and its impact on society.

Tuition

UCLA’s tuition for in-state students is approximately $13,000 annually, while out-of-state students pay around $42,000 annually. However, the university offers several financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students offset the costs of tuition and other expenses.

University of California San Diego (UCSD)

Annual Cost

UCSD is a public research university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including architecture. The annual cost of attending UCSD for in-state students is approximately $14,000 for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $44,000. However, financial aid is available to eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.

Enrollment

UCSD has a total undergraduate enrollment of around 31,000 students, with approximately 4% majoring in architecture. The university also offers graduate programs in architecture, with a total graduate enrollment of around 6,000 students.

SAT Range

The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students at UCSD range from 1280 to 1530. However, it is important to note that SAT scores are just one of many factors considered in the admissions process at UCSD.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

UCSD offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Architecture Studies, which provides a broad-based education in architecture’s history, theory, and practice. The university also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Structural Engineering, which focuses on designing and constructing buildings and other structures.

Communication/Mathematics/Engineering/Landscape Architecture

In addition to its architecture programs, UCSD offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of related fields, including communication, mathematics, engineering, and landscape architecture. These programs provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for careers in a variety of industries.

Tuition

For in-state students, tuition and fees for UCSD’s Bachelor of Arts in Architecture Studies program are approximately $14,000 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $44,000 per year. However, financial aid is available to eligible students to help offset the cost of attendance.

Cornell University

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. It is known for its strong architecture, engineering, and business programs. The university’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) offers undergraduate and graduate architecture, urban planning, and art programs.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Cornell University for the 2023-2024 academic year is approximately $80,000, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available to eligible students in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Enrollment

Cornell University has an undergraduate enrollment of around 15,000 students and a graduate enrollment of around 8,000 students. The university has a diverse student body, with students hailing from all 50 states and more than 120 countries.

SAT Range

The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students at Cornell University is between 1430-1560. The university also considers other factors in the admissions process, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Architecture Degree

Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning offers a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree, a five-year program combining a liberal arts education with professional training in architecture. The college also offers a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Studies program and graduate programs in architecture, urban planning, and art.

Tuition

Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year at Cornell University is approximately $63,200. However, the total cost of attendance, including room, board, and other fees, is around $80,000 per year. The university offers financial aid to eligible students through grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Annual Cost

As of the 2021-2022 academic year, the annual cost of attending MIT for undergraduate students is $75,300. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, MIT is committed to meeting all admitted students’ full demonstrated financial need and offers need-based financial aid to eligible students.

Enrollment

MIT has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,638 as of Fall 2021. The school is known for its rigorous academic programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and has a highly selective admissions process.

SAT Range

The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students at MIT are typically between 1500-1570 for the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections combined. However, MIT does not have a minimum SAT score requirement and takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, recommendations, and test scores.

Architecture Degree

MIT’s School of Architecture and Planning offers several degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA), a Master of Architecture (MArch), and a PhD in Architecture. The BSA program is a five-year program that combines a liberal arts education with professional training in architecture.

Engineering and Math

In addition to its architecture programs, MIT is also known for its strong programs in engineering and math. The school offers majors in fields such as Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, as well as Mathematics and Computer Science majors.

Tuition

As mentioned earlier, the annual cost of attending MIT for undergraduate students is $75,300. However, as mentioned earlier, MIT is committed to meeting all admitted students’ full demonstrated financial need and offers need-based financial aid to eligible students. MIT also offers merit-based scholarships to a small number of admitted students.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is internationally renowned for its diverse and dynamic community of students, scholars, and teacher practitioners. The college offers undergraduate programs in architecture, urban and regional planning, and architectural studies.

Annual Cost

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the estimated annual cost of attendance for in-state students is $31,192, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $54,112 per year.

Enrollment

As of Fall 2022, the University of Michigan had a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,266 students. The Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning had a total enrollment of 1,350 students, with 1,127 undergraduates and 223 graduate students.

SAT Range

The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students at the University of Michigan is 1420-1550. However, it is important to note that the university practices a holistic admissions process that considers factors beyond test scores, such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

The Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture. The Bachelor of Arts program is a liberal arts-based program that provides a broad foundation in the humanities and social sciences, while the Bachelor of Science program is a more technical and specialized program that focuses on the technical aspects of architecture.

Landscape Architecture

In addition to its undergraduate architecture and urban and regional planning programs, the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning also offers a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. This program focuses on the design and planning of outdoor spaces and landscapes and emphasizes these spaces’ ecological and social sustainability.

Tuition

The University of Michigan is a public university, so tuition costs are significantly lower for in-state students than out-of-state students. In-state tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $16,856, while out-of-state tuition is $49,776. However, the university offers need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition for eligible students.

Rice University

Rice University is a private research university located in Houston, Texas. It is known for its excellent undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including architecture.

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending Rice University for the 2022-2023 academic year is approximately $66,610. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the university offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students to help cover the cost of attendance.

Enrollment

As of fall 2021, Rice University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,247 students. The university’s relatively small student body allows for more personalized attention and smaller class sizes. Additionally, the university has a diverse student body, with students from different backgrounds and countries.

SAT Range

The middle 50% of SAT scores for admitted students at Rice University is between 1470 and 1570. This indicates that the university is highly selective in its admissions process and seeks students with strong academic abilities.

Architecture Degree

Rice University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree program, which provides students with a strong foundation in design, history, theory, and technology. The program is interdisciplinary and combines coursework in architecture, mathematics, engineering, and landscape architecture.

Tuition

The tuition for the Bachelor of Arts in Architecture program at Rice University is approximately $56,310 per year. However, the university offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students to help cover the cost of attendance. Additionally, the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree program with a different tuition rate.

University of California, Berkeley

Annual Cost

The annual cost of attending the University of California, Berkeley, for the 2023-2024 academic year is $14,226 for in-state students and $44,436 for out-of-state students. This includes tuition, fees, room, and board.

Enrollment

As of Fall 2022, the total enrollment at UC Berkeley was 43,204 students. Of these, 31,780 were undergraduate students, and 11,424 were graduate students.

SAT Range

The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students at UC Berkeley is 1370-1530. This means that 25% of admitted students scored below 1370, and 25% scored above 1530.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Programs

UC Berkeley offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs in Architecture. The BA degree is pre-professional and provides the foundation for entry to a Master of Architecture program, the most widespread professional degree program in architecture in the United States. The BS degree is more technical and emphasizes architecture’s science and engineering aspects.

Communication and Mathematics

UC Berkeley’s Department of Architecture emphasizes communication and mathematics in its curriculum. Students are encouraged to develop strong verbal and visual communication skills and proficiency in mathematics and other technical areas.

Engineering and Landscape Architecture

UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, of which the Department of Architecture is a part, also offers engineering and landscape architecture programs. Students in the Architecture program can take courses in these related fields and collaborate with students and faculty from other disciplines.

Tuition

UC Berkeley is a public university, meaning tuition is significantly lower for in-state students than out-of-state students. However, even out-of-state tuition at UC Berkeley is lower than at many private universities. Additionally, the university offers financial aid and scholarships to help offset the cost of attendance for students who qualify.

Purdue University

Annual Cost

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a public research institution that offers undergraduate programs in architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the estimated annual cost of attendance for in-state students is $25,702, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $48,032. Students should note that these costs are subject to change each year.

Enrollment

According to U.S. News & World Report, Purdue University has an undergraduate enrollment of over 34,000 students. Of those, approximately 1,000 are enrolled in the College of Engineering, which offers an undergraduate program in architectural engineering. The College of Engineering also offers a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in architectural engineering.

SAT Range

For the 2022-2023 academic year, the middle 50% of admitted students at Purdue University had SAT scores between 1240 and 1440. Students should note that SAT scores are just one factor considered in the admissions process and that meeting the minimum score requirements does not guarantee admission.

Architecture Degree Programs

Purdue University offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree program through its College of Liberal Arts. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in design, technology, history, and theory. In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Purdue also offers a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture through its College of Agriculture.

Mathematics Requirement

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Purdue University are required to take several mathematics courses, including calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. These courses are designed to provide students with the analytical skills necessary to excel in the field of architecture.

Tuition

Tuition and fees for the Purdue University Bachelor of Science in Architecture program vary depending on a student’s residency status. In-state students can expect to pay approximately $10,000 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $30,000 per year. Students should note that these costs are subject to change each year and do not include additional expenses such as housing, books, and supplies.

California Polytechnic State University

Annual Cost

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is a public university in San Luis Obispo, California. The annual cost for in-state tuition and fees is $11,022, while out-of-state students pay $20,370. However, students may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships to help offset the cost of attendance.

Enrollment

Cal Poly has a total undergraduate enrollment of 22,013 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Bachelor of Architecture degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

SAT Range

The middle 50% range for SAT scores of admitted students is 1270-1440. Cal Poly values academic achievement, and students are encouraged to take challenging courses in mathematics, science, and engineering to prepare for the rigor of the architecture program.

Cal Poly’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design offers a comprehensive architecture, landscape architecture, and architectural engineering education. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and design-build projects, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

In addition to the Bachelor of Architecture degree, Cal Poly also offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Science in Architecture. The university’s commitment to sustainability and environmental design is reflected in its curriculum and campus facilities.

Overall, Cal Poly is a top-ranked architecture college that provides students with a strong design, technology, and sustainability foundation. With its focus on hands-on learning and practical experience, graduates are well-prepared for careers in architecture and related fields.

Carnegie Mellon University

Annual Cost

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The annual cost of attending Carnegie Mellon University for the academic year 2022-2023 is $80,794, including tuition, fees, room, and board.

Enrollment

As of Fall 2022, Carnegie Mellon University has an undergraduate enrollment of 6,974 students. The student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.

SAT Range

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students at Carnegie Mellon University is 1460-1560. This range is based on the new SAT format that was introduced in 2016.

Architecture Degree

Carnegie Mellon University offers a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree through its School of Architecture. The program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in architecture, including design, technology, history, and theory.

Mathematics and Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is known for its strong programs in mathematics and engineering, which provide a solid foundation for students pursuing an architecture degree. Students must take courses in calculus, physics, and other math and science subjects as part of their degree requirements.

Tuition

Carnegie Mellon University is a private university, so the tuition for all students, including in-state and out-of-state students, is the same. The tuition for the academic year 2022-2023 is $59,910. However, the university offers need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to help students cover the cost of attendance.

Best Architecture Colleges by State