2026 Best Value General Architecture Schools
Looking for the best-value General Architecture programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 133 schools 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, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found North Dakota State University Main Campus to be the best-value General Architecture school in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. 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. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #2 on this year's best-value General Architecture ranking in the United States. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $27,500 median debt. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #3 on this year's best-value General Architecture ranking in the United States. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public school based in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Typical General Architecture student debt is $28,000. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full California State Polytechnic University Pomona report
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
A rank of #5 makes Clemson University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Clemson University General Architecture students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full Clemson University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. The median General Architecture program debt is $25,886. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $25,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $28,192 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. That is a strong return on a $28,192 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read more about Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical General Architecture student debt is $29,000. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. 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. 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. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Berkeley
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,465 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $18,465 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Louisiana Tech University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Students borrow a median of $23,846 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
Texas Tech University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $21,699 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #13 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $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. The acceptance rate is 9%. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median General Architecture program debt is $25,449. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
University Of Arkansas ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Arkansas
Prairie View A And M University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,299, with out-of-state students paying around $26,874. Students borrow a median of $30,429 to complete their General Architecture program here. 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. Prairie View A And M University admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Prairie View A And M University report
Auburn University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Typical General Architecture student debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, 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. See the full Auburn University profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Set against $21,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Yale University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Yale University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee General Architecture students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Florida landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $19,843 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $19,843 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. More on University Of Florida
The University Of Tennessee came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The median General Architecture program debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
University Of Notre Dame ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,419 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $99,980 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
University Of Pennsylvania placed #27 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median General Architecture program debt is $16,155. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Architecture Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. The median General Architecture program debt is $16,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. Read the full report on Harvard University
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Ball State University is a public school based in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. The median General Architecture program debt is $28,670. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Set against $28,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ball State University
Arizona State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $21,067 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $21,067 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Miami landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,616. Students borrow a median of $17,750 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $75,328 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,750 median debt. University Of Miami has an acceptance rate of 19%. Get the full University Of Miami report
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. 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 General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $143,372 ten years after entry. Set against $13,516 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $20,577. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,624. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus General Architecture students take on a median of $22,600 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Kent State University At Kent came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. The median General Architecture program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. More on Kent State University At Kent
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. The median General Architecture program debt is $23,529. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. More on Carnegie Mellon University
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,785 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,725. Typical General Architecture student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $44,349 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 21% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University report
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. 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. 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%. More on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Louisiana Lafayette landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lafayette, LA, University Of Louisiana Lafayette is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,418, compared with $24,146 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,373 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,089 ten years after entry. Set against $24,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Louisiana Lafayette admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full University Of Louisiana Lafayette report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,334. Typical General Architecture student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #43 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Florida International University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Miami, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,349 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,349 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Florida International University profile
The University Of Texas At San Antonio landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. The median General Architecture program debt is $23,000. The University Of Texas At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $57,131 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio report
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. The median General Architecture program debt is $23,258. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,491 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
Norwich University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Located in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,740 in tuition and fees. Typical General Architecture student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,575. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about Norwich University
University At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. University At Buffalo General Architecture students take on a median of $22,854 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,814. Set against $22,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. Students from in state pay about $64,078 in tuition and fees. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute General Architecture students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $102,051 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. More on Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Portland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical General Architecture student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Portland State University
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #52 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Typical General Architecture student debt is $19,738. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
Catholic University Of America ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Located in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,378. Catholic University Of America General Architecture students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,250 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Catholic University Of America
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their General Architecture program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,648 ten years after entry. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
University Of Kentucky ranked #55 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Set 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. Typical General Architecture student debt is $24,125. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on University Of Kentucky
Best Value General Architecture Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value General Architecture Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Architecture Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (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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