by our College Data Analytics Team
[architecture](/majors/architecture-and-related-services/general-architecture/architecture/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for architecture students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the architecture degrees they offer, see the list below.
Marywood University earned the #1 spot for value among architecture schools in Pennsylvania. Marywood University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Scranton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,420. Typical student debt for architecture graduates is $31,000. Early-career architecture graduates make about $48,650. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for architecture. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical student debt for architecture graduates is $16,155. Architecture graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus one of the best values for architecture. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete the architecture program here. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $56,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value architecture schools. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Typical student debt for architecture graduates is $23,529. Early-career architecture graduates make about $89,327. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Pennsylvania State University Main Campus one of the best values for architecture. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Typical student debt for architecture graduates is $30,440. Architecture graduates of Pennsylvania State University Main Campus earn a median of $60,898 early in their careers. Set against $30,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
Lehigh University earned the #6 position for value in architecture this year. Set in the city of Bethlehem, Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete the architecture program here. Early-career architecture graduates make about $70,321. Set against $23,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 26% of applicants are accepted.
Drexel University landed the #7 spot for architecture value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the architecture program here. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $57,730. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.