Architectural Sciences and Technology at Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,919/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,400 openings/yr)
ROI 12.9x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs Top 10%

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 $603K $591K $543K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.2x 12.9x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.5x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,744
Out-of-state: $108,000 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$43,664
5% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,750
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,001
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $46,919 track close to the $50,058 national median for Architectural Sciences and Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 12.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,750 debt-to-$46,919 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

A #2 ranking out of 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs nationally puts Western Kentucky University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $46,919 to $61,001 shows 30% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 12,267 in Bowling Green, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Kentucky 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

Architectural Sciences and Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Kentucky University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Western Kentucky University's Architectural Sciences and Technology program score?
This program scores 54/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Architectural Sciences and Technology graduates.
How vulnerable is Architectural Sciences and Technology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Architectural Sciences and Technology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →