2026 Best Value General Architecture Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

For return on investment in general architecture, no school beat California State University Fresno this year. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. General Architecture graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. General Architecture graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $49,502 early in their careers. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

California State Polytechnic University Pomona came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general architecture schools. Located in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the general architecture program here. Soon after graduation, general architecture degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $57,514. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nevada Las Vegas earned it the #3 place for general architecture. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete the general architecture program here. General Architecture graduates of University Of Nevada Las Vegas earn a median of $50,039 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

4

Portland State University
Portland, OR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Portland State University earned it the #4 place for general architecture. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for general architecture graduates is $25,000. General Architecture graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $32,678 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.

5

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

Students looking for strong value in general architecture will find it at University Of Washington Seattle Campus, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general architecture graduates is $20,423. Early-career general architecture graduates make about $55,967. That is a strong return on a $20,423 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #6 for value in general architecture this year. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general architecture graduates is $16,097. General Architecture graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $63,833 early in their careers. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

7

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley placed #7 among the best values for general architecture. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. General Architecture graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career general architecture graduates make about $50,917. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%.

8

University Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco earned the #8 position for value in general architecture this year. Set in the city of San Francisco, University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $60,522 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general architecture program here. Early-career general architecture graduates make about $37,556. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of San Francisco admits about 62% of applicants.