2026 Best Value General Architecture Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Architecture master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 133 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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, Grad Degree 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:
Leading the list is North Dakota State University Main Campus, our #1 best-value General Architecture school in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. 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. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. More 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. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Typical General Architecture student debt is $28,000. Median earnings reach $71,902 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. 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. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin General Architecture students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M University College Station earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set 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, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $18,465 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 $18,465 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Louisiana Tech University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based in Ruston, LA. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Students borrow a median of $23,846 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $23,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
Texas Tech University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $21,699 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $21,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of California Berkeley came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median General Architecture program debt is $26,000. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. 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, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Typical General Architecture student debt is $16,097. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,511. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Arkansas ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $27,250 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Prairie View A And M University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,299, with out-of-state students paying around $26,874. Graduates carry a median of $30,429 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,411. Set against $30,429 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Prairie View A And M University
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University General Architecture students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. More on Auburn University
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical General Architecture student debt is $21,829. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $21,829 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
Yale University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Yale University General Architecture students take on a median of $14,357 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read the full report on Yale University
University Of Florida came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida General Architecture students take on a median of $19,843 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Notre Dame placed #20 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Typical General Architecture student debt is $28,419. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. That is a strong return on a $28,419 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
The University Of Tennessee placed #20 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The median General Architecture program debt is $31,000. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Tennessee report
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical General Architecture student debt is $28,670. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Ball State University
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology placed #23 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Typical General Architecture student debt is $13,516. 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. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
Kent State University At Kent landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,388. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Set against $22,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Harvard University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Typical General Architecture student debt is $16,616. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Harvard University profile
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University placed #29 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,785, while out-of-state students pay about $17,725. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,349 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 21% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Architecture Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #30 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. The median General Architecture program debt is $23,840. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. That is a strong return on a $23,840 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Louisiana Lafayette came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. 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. Typical General Architecture student debt is $24,373. University Of Louisiana Lafayette alumni report median earnings of $47,089 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,373 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Louisiana Lafayette report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale General Architecture students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
University Of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst report
Norwich University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Norwich University is a private not-for-profit school based in Northfield, VT. In-state tuition and fees average $49,740. Norwich University General Architecture students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,575. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Norwich University admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full Norwich University report
University At Buffalo landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. The median General Architecture program debt is $22,854. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,814. Set against $22,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University At Buffalo has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University At Buffalo
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,078. The median General Architecture program debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,051 ten years after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Portland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based 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. Portland State University General Architecture students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Portland State University report
Catholic University Of America landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,378. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Architecture program here. Median earnings reach $73,250 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Catholic University Of America admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on Catholic University Of America
Florida International University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida International University
University Of Kentucky placed #41 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. The median General Architecture program debt is $24,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Kentucky
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Typical General Architecture student debt is $18,750. 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. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Idaho came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moscow, ID, University Of Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,084, compared with $28,320 for out-of-state students. University Of Idaho General Architecture students take on a median of $24,900 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,670 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Idaho profile
Miami University Oxford came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. More on Miami University Oxford
Arizona State University placed #40 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Read the full report on Arizona State University
Keene State College placed #41 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Read more about Keene State College
Pennsylvania College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. More on Pennsylvania College Of Technology
The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Architecture schools. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
Suny College Of Technology At Delhi placed #44 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Get the full Suny College Of Technology At Delhi report
Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Cooper Union For The Advancement Of Science And Art
Kean University
Kean University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. See the full Kean University profile
Cornell University placed #47 among the best-value General Architecture schools in the United States. Get the full Cornell University report
Judson University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Judson University report
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Universidad Politecnica De Puerto Rico Hato Rey Campus came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Universidad Politecnica De Puerto Rico Hato Rey Campus report
Related General Architecture Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Grad Degree (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 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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