Most Selective Highest Earnings Best Value Free Tuition UK Universities

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 $44,489, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $55,884 while University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn $31,305 — a $24,579 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

11
Schools in CA
$49,396
CA Avg. Earnings
$44,489
National Avg.
91
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Architecture in California

Public Schools (4)
$48,437
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (5)
$50,162
avg. 2yr earnings

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

#1
C

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

$55,884
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $55,714
Graduates: 114
Acceptance: 29.8%
#2
C

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public

$55,286
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $56,226
Graduates: 71
Acceptance: 73.7%
#3
U

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA · Private

$55,286
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 50.8%
#4
A

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA ·

$53,810
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#5
U

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public

$51,273
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $52,215
Graduates: 81
Acceptance: 11.7%
#6
C

California College of the Arts

San Francisco, CA · Private

$50,231
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $57,344
Graduates: 27
Acceptance: 73.4%
#7
U

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$49,437
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $50,964
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 10.0%
#8
W

Woodbury University

Burbank, CA · Private

$49,064
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $46,734
Graduates: 66
Acceptance: 72.9%
#9
S

Southern California Institute of Architecture

Los Angeles, CA · Private

$46,790
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,818
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 82.7%
#10
N

Newschool of Architecture and Design

San Diego, CA · For-Profit

$44,989
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $51,755
Graduates: 62
Acceptance: 100.0%
#11
U

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$31,305
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 8.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Architecture in California?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #1 for Architecture in California with median graduate earnings of $55,884 within two years of graduation. There are 11 schools offering Architecture programs in the state.
How much do Architecture graduates earn in California?
Architecture graduates in California earn an average of $49,396 within two years of graduation. This is 11% above the national average of $44,489 for this major.
What is the hardest Architecture school to get into in California?
University of California-Los Angeles is the most selective Architecture program in California with an acceptance rate of 8.7%. The average acceptance rate across Architecture programs in the state is 51.4%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Architecture in California?
In California, private Architecture programs produce average earnings of $50,162 vs $48,437 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 4 public and 5 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

Construction Management $81,700 Construction Engineering $81,610 Construction Engineering Technologies $76,343 Engineering, General $76,184 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $75,984 Manufacturing Engineering $73,841 Engineering-Related Fields $73,096 Computer Science $72,889
All colleges in California →

Architecture in Other States

Texas New York Massachusetts Pennsylvania Illinois Florida Ohio Indiana Oklahoma Michigan Georgia Virginia View All →

Get Architecture Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.