2026 Best Value Architecture And Related Services Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Architecture And Related Services doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 387 colleges 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 reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Architecture And Related Services Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
North Carolina State University At Raleigh tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Architecture And Related Services doctoral degree schools in the United States. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $25,823 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,758 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Out of the 387 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Clemson University landed the #2 spot. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $22,765. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Clemson University
You'll get strong value at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #3 this year. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $15,000. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
You'll get strong value at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $29,630 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $29,630 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earned it the #5 place in the United States. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $28,192. 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. The acceptance rate is 14%. See the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus profile
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Texas Tech University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $22,007 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $22,007 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $23,965. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Illinois Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $31,123. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,592 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,123 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology
University Of California Los Angeles placed #10 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $18,939. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Set against $18,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
University Of Georgia ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Cornell University Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $17,011 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $17,011 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about Cornell University
University Of Maryland College Park placed #14 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $22,654 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $22,654 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #15 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $26,000. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Kansas landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $13,516 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $143,372. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $21,291 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. Set against $21,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $16,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Colorado Denver came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $23,414 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,414 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
Harvard University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Harvard University alumni report median earnings of $101,817 a decade after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read more about Harvard University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $15,117. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of California Irvine ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Set against $16,539 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $20,995 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,995 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Arizona State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Architecture And Related Services Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Florida ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $19,843 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $19,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Hawaii At Manoa came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,186, while out-of-state students pay about $34,218. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $22,047 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,624 ten years out. Set against $22,047 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa report
University Of Oregon landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,324. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oregon has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Oregon profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,768 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Carnegie Mellon University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Carnegie Mellon University alumni report median earnings of $114,862 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. The median Architecture And Related Services program debt is $25,190. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,631. Set against $25,190 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full Rutgers University New Brunswick profile
Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Florida State University Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $20,488 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Florida State University profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Set 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, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their Architecture And Related Services program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,648. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile
University Of Southern California landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Typical Architecture And Related Services student debt is $29,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Set against $29,263 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern California has an acceptance rate of 10%. Read more about University Of Southern California
Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Architecture And Related Services students take on a median of $26,694 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,409 ten years out. Set against $26,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read more about City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College
Fresno City College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Get the full Fresno City College report
Eastern Illinois University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
Florida State College At Jacksonville landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Florida State College At Jacksonville
Lansing Community College placed #42 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Read more about Lansing Community College
Manchester Community College Nh ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Read more about Manchester Community College Nh
University Of Miami came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Miami profile
El Paso Community College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full El Paso Community College report
South Central College placed #46 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. More on South Central College
University Of California San Diego came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of California San Diego profile
Amherst College
Amherst College placed #48 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. Get the full Amherst College report
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #49 among the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools in the United States. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Roger Williams University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Architecture And Related Services schools. Read the full report on Roger Williams University
Related Architecture And Related Services Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Architecture And Related Services Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
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 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).