Architectural History degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for architectural history students pursuing a degree.
The school you choose for architectural history can shape your career. That is why we built our Best Architectural History Schools rankings. For our Best Overall Architectural History School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.
In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Architectural History Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
Best Schools for Architectural History in the United States
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the architectural history degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Boston University the best school in the country for a degree in architectural history. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. About 89% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 32 architectural history students who graduated with this degree at Boston University in the most recent data year. Architectural History graduates of Boston University earn a median of $63,598 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,232.
Get the full architectural history details for Boston University
A rank of #2 makes Northeastern University one of the top schools for architectural history. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Boston. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. About 22 architectural history degrees were awarded at Northeastern University in the most recent year. Students who receive their architectural history degree from Northeastern University earn around $74,800 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,611 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in architectural history from Northeastern University
Students looking for a strong architectural history program will find one at University Of San Diego, which ranked #3. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. University Of San Diego graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 26 architectural history students who graduated with this degree at University Of San Diego in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, architectural history degree recipients from University Of San Diego generally make around $68,281. Typical student debt for the program is $23,795.
More information about a degree in architectural history from University Of San Diego
Columbia University In The City Of New York is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in architectural history, ranking #4. Set in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. About 13 architectural history degrees were awarded at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent year. Students who receive their architectural history degree from Columbia University In The City Of New York earn around $86,770 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete this degree.
Get the full architectural history details for Columbia University In The City Of New York
Smith College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in architectural history, ranking #5. Located in the city of Northampton, Smith College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Smith College graduates 89% of students within six years. About 10 architectural history degrees were awarded at Smith College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, architectural history degree recipients from Smith College generally make around $40,436. Students borrow a median of $18,941 to complete this degree.
See the full architectural history program report for Smith College
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #6 for architectural history this year. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 11 architectural history students who graduated with this degree at Oklahoma State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Architectural History graduates of Oklahoma State University Main Campus earn a median of $50,993 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in architectural history from Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Kent State University At Kent earned the #7 position for architectural history this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Kent. Kent State University At Kent graduates 64% of students within six years. There were roughly 15 architectural history students who graduated with this degree at Kent State University At Kent in the most recent data year. Architectural History graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $44,776 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,174.
Get the full architectural history details for Kent State University At Kent
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 7 schools evaluated.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
