Best Schools for Architectural Engineering

Architectural Engineering graduates earn a median of $64,429 within two years of graduation, ranking #20 out of 292 tracked majors — 81% above the median across all fields. There are 10 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 360 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $69,338 while North Carolina A & T State University graduates earn $53,810 — a $15,528 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is modest: Architectural Engineering graduates see an average -1% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

10
Schools
$64,429
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#20
of 292 Majors
360
Graduates

Public vs Private: Architectural Engineering

Public (7 schools)
$64,334
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (3 schools)
$64,652
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $318 more in early earnings on average for Architectural Engineering graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Architectural Engineering by State

Top Architectural Engineering Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
T

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public

$69,338
2yr Earnings
1yr: $64,188
Grads: 32
Acceptance: 29.1%
#2
M

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$67,420
2yr Earnings
1yr: $64,727
Grads: 35
Acceptance: 60.4%
#3
U

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public

$67,324
2yr Earnings
1yr: $63,737
Grads: 17
Acceptance: 83.3%
#4
A

Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public

$66,240
2yr Earnings
1yr: $71,073
Grads: 75
Acceptance: 50.5%
#5
K

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public

$65,557
2yr Earnings
1yr: $68,390
Grads: 47
Acceptance: 79.4%
#6
M

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Rolla, MO · Public

$65,066
2yr Earnings
1yr: $62,662
Grads: 39
Acceptance: 73.1%
#7
D

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$63,530
2yr Earnings
1yr: $62,581
Grads: 40
Acceptance: 77.5%
#8
C

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

$63,005
2yr Earnings
1yr: $69,509
Grads: 51
Acceptance: 29.8%
#9
I

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL · Private

$63,005
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 55.4%
#10
N

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC · Public

$53,810
2yr Earnings
1yr: $59,103
Grads: 24
Acceptance: 46.2%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Architectural Engineering?
The University of Texas at Austin ranks #1 for Architectural Engineering with median graduate earnings of $69,338 within two years. There are 10 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Architectural Engineering graduates earn?
Architectural Engineering graduates earn an average of $64,429 within two years of graduation. This is 81% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $53,810 to $69,338 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Architectural Engineering program?
The average acceptance rate across Architectural Engineering programs is 58.5%. The most selective program is at The University of Texas at Austin with a 29.1% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Architectural Engineering?
Private Architectural Engineering programs average $64,652 in early earnings vs $64,334 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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