Home › California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo › Architectural Sciences and Technology

Architectural Sciences and Technology at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $58,653/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,400 openings/yr)
ROI 13.8x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $626K $611K $559K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.1x 13.8x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $58,653 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo come in 17% above the national median of $50,058 for Architectural Sciences and Technology programs.

With a 13.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Architectural Sciences and Technology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $58,653 far exceeding the $23,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #3 among 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 30% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 21,521 students in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary $101,480/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 28 schools offering Architectural Sciences and Technology →

Architectural Sciences and Technology at Other Schools

University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($81,377) University of Massachusetts-Amherst ($64,939) Syracuse University ($58,622) Pratt Institute-Main ($58,246) Iowa State University ($57,928) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($56,797) Oklahoma State University-Main Campus ($56,272) Rhode Island School of Design ($55,673)

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Computer Engineering ($111,560) Computer Science ($111,141) Construction Management ($92,785) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($90,576) Industrial Engineering ($87,226) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($85,509) Mechanical Engineering ($83,011) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($82,197)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Architectural Sciences and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Architectural Sciences and Technology at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 53/100, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Architectural Sciences and Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Architectural Sciences and Technology at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo one of the best schools for Architectural Sciences and Technology?
Among 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →