Program Analysis
Graduates earn $54,957/yr, edging above the $45,895 national average for Architecture — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Architecture programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Architecture's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $30,474 represents roughly 7 months of the $54,957 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #5 of 66 programs, Iowa State University's Architecture program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Earnings grow from $54,957 to $70,118 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.