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Architectural Sciences and Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
48 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
48
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,797/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs Top 50%

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 $610K $597K $548K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 9.6x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.1x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 48 47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,912
Out-of-state: $146,776 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,160
-54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,750
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $56,797 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University come in 13% above the national median of $50,058 for Architectural Sciences and Technology programs.

A 9.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 10% 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.

At $30,750 against $56,797/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #8 ranking among 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs places Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

A 57% admission rate makes Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 30,435 students enrolled in Blacksburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University →

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) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($58,653) Syracuse University ($58,622) Pratt Institute-Main ($58,246) Iowa State University ($57,928) Oklahoma State University-Main Campus ($56,272) Rhode Island School of Design ($55,673)

Other Majors at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($96,432) Computer Engineering ($86,636) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($83,364) Construction Engineering ($82,627) Industrial Engineering ($82,437) Chemical Engineering ($82,382) Applied Mathematics ($82,275) Engineering Mechanics ($81,735)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Architectural Sciences and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Architectural Sciences and Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Architectural Sciences and Technology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Architectural Sciences and Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →