2026 Best Value Architecture And Related Services Schools
Looking for the best-value Architecture And Related Services programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 387 colleges 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 help you make your decision, 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 Architecture And Related Services Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Marywood University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Architecture And Related Services programs schools in the United States. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,817. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%. Get the full Marywood University report
A rank of #2 makes North Dakota State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earned it the #3 place 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. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $25,633. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $25,633 median debt. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State Polytechnic University Pomona earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Pomona, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Students borrow a median of $26,899 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Set against $26,899 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Houston ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Houston
University Of California Berkeley ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus placed #8 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. Students from in state pay about $12,058 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $28,192 in debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $102,772 a decade after entry. Set against $28,192 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Louisiana Tech University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $26,052. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $26,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $25,823. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Texas Tech University placed #12 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,007 in student loans. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,007 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Mississippi State University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Mississippi State University is a public school based in Mississippi State, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $30,486 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,513. That is a strong return on a $30,486 median debt. Mississippi State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $23,772. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,939. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about West Virginia University
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $18,939 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $18,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Newschool Of Architecture And Design placed #15 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Located in San Diego, CA, Newschool Of Architecture And Design is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $30,291. Newschool Of Architecture And Design Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $39,251 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,891 ten years out. Set against $39,251 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Newschool Of Architecture And Design
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, 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. 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. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,765 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $22,765 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Clemson University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $29,630 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
University Of Georgia placed #22 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Georgia
Prairie View A And M University placed #24 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Located in Prairie View, TX, Prairie View A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,299, compared with $26,874 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $30,429 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,411. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Prairie View A And M University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Prairie View A And M University report
Boston Architectural College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boston, MA, Boston Architectural College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,470. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $53,192. Boston Architectural College alumni report median earnings of $62,123 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Boston Architectural College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Architecture And Related Services Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $17,011 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. Read more about Cornell University
Auburn University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $26,688. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Auburn University
University Of Utah came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. That is a strong return on a $20,798 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Utah profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #29 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Illinois Institute Of Technology Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $31,123 in debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,123 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology
Kansas State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $23,546. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Drexel University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $31,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,648 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Drexel University report
University Of Maryland College Park placed #32 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $22,654 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,654 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Roger Williams University placed #33 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bristol, RI. In-state tuition and fees average $45,197. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,266. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Roger Williams University report
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $27,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Arkansas
Yale University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $14,357. Yale University alumni report median earnings of $100,533 a decade after entry. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Yale University profile
New York University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. New York University Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,897 median debt. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on New York University
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,743 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The University Of Texas At Arlington Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $23,535 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #39 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $23,965 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $23,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Kansas placed #40 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $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. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kansas
University Of Hartford came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Hartford, CT, University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,075 in tuition and fees. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $25,648. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,823 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,648 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on University Of Hartford
University Of California Davis offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $14,404. Median earnings reach $80,838 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,404 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Davis
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $15,117. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,117 median debt. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $30,806. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
The University Of Tennessee placed #45 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Students borrow a median of $30,765 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Set against $30,765 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on The University Of Tennessee
University Of Notre Dame offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit school based in Notre Dame, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $28,419 in debt. University Of Notre Dame alumni report median earnings of $99,980 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,419 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Notre Dame
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Graduates carry a median of $13,516 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $143,372. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology report
University Of Florida placed #47 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $19,843 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $19,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
Washington State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Washington State University report
Lawrence Technological University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Southfield, MI, Lawrence Technological University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,760. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $27,799. Median earnings reach $69,151 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lawrence Technological University has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read the full report on Lawrence Technological University
Best Value Architecture And Related Services Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- 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
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 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).