Best Architecture Schools in California
California has 11 colleges offering Architecture programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 485 recent graduates. Graduates in California earn $49,396 on average within two years — 11% above the national average of $44,559, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.
School choice matters significantly: California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates earn $55,286 while University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn $31,305 — a $23,981 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.
Public vs Private: Architecture in California
Private schools produce $1,725 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.
Architecture Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona, CA · Public
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
Newschool of Architecture and Design
San Diego, CA · For-Profit
Woodbury University
Burbank, CA · Private
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA ·
California College of the Arts
San Francisco, CA · Private
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Private
Southern California Institute of Architecture
Los Angeles, CA · Private
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Frequently Asked Questions
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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.