Best Architecture Schools in Illinois

Illinois has 5 colleges offering Architecture programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 171 recent graduates. Graduates in Illinois earn $38,306 on average within two years — 14% below the national average of $44,559. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Illinois Institute of Technology graduates earn $48,988 while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn $35,810 — a $13,178 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IL

$38,306

IL Avg. Earnings

$44,559

National Avg.

100

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Architecture in Illinois

Public Schools (3)

$38,537

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (2)

$37,961

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Illinois produce comparable or higher early earnings for Architecture graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Architecture Schools in Illinois, Ranked by Earnings

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · Private

$48,988

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $47,606

Graduates: 84

Acceptance: 55.4%

Judson University

Elgin, IL · Private

$26,933

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 63.1%

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public

$40,791

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,752

Graduates: 29

Acceptance: 90.4%

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public

$39,009

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $41,198

Graduates: 58

Acceptance: 78.5%

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, IL · Public

$35,810

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 43.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Architecture in Illinois?

Illinois Institute of Technology ranks #1 for Architecture in Illinois with median graduate earnings of $48,988 within two years of graduation. There are 5 schools offering Architecture programs in the state.

How much do Architecture graduates earn in Illinois?

Architecture graduates in Illinois earn an average of $38,306 within two years of graduation. This is 14% below the national average of $44,559 for this major.

What is the hardest Architecture school to get into in Illinois?

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the most selective Architecture program in Illinois with an acceptance rate of 43.7%. The average acceptance rate across Architecture programs in the state is 66.2%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Architecture in Illinois?

In Illinois, private Architecture programs produce average earnings of $37,961 vs $38,537 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 2 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Illinois

Chemical Engineering $69,173 Computer Science $66,656 Computer Engineering $65,978 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $64,764 Civil Engineering $61,502 Construction Management $60,021 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $58,932 Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $57,318

All colleges in Illinois →

Architecture in Other States

California New York Texas Pennsylvania Massachusetts Florida Ohio Michigan Indiana North Carolina Virginia Arizona View All →

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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.