Architecture at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
65 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
66
Optimistic
65
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,634/yr (32% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (23,200 openings/yr)
ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 66 Architecture programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Architecture graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $731K $706K $632K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.5x 15.9x 14.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.7x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 66% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 66 65 64

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 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,500
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,718
28% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Architecture graduates command $60,634/yr out of the gate, well above the $45,895 national median. That 32% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

With a 15.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Architecture career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,500 in median debt clears quickly against $60,634 in annual earnings.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #3 among 66 Architecture programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 28% earnings increase from $60,634 to $77,718 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Admission to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is competitive, with 30% of applicants accepted, 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
Architects, except landscape and naval $96,690/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Architecture at Other Schools

Other Majors at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 65/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Architecture at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 65/100, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Architecture program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Architecture at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
The 46% 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 Architecture?
Among 66 Architecture 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 →