Architectural Engineering at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
58
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $76,353/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (28,800 openings/yr)
ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 12 Architectural Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $773K $746K $660K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.5x 15.9x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.3x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 58 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,800
Out-of-state: $117,648 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,460
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $76,353/yr, edging above the $72,121 national average for Architectural Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

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 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Architectural Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,000 in median debt against $76,353 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #9 ranking among 12 Architectural Engineering programs places University of Kansas in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Kansas

University of Kansas has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 19,857 in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Architectural Engineering at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Architectural Engineering at University of Kansas?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Architectural Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Architectural Engineering at University of Kansas?
The 47% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →