Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Auburn's Interior Architecture bachelor's lands graduates in a financially manageable position, with peer programs nationally suggesting first-year earnings around $45,000 against estimated debt of about $23,000. That 0.51 debt-to-earnings ratio means borrowers would owe roughly half a year's salary—a workable starting point for a design-focused career where earnings typically grow with portfolio development and licensure.
The challenge here is that Interior Architecture is a niche program with limited data transparency. Only 47 schools nationwide offer this specific bachelor's degree, and fewer than a third report sufficient graduate outcomes for the Department of Education to publish. Auburn's figures come from these peer programs rather than its own graduates, so you're making assumptions about how Auburn's specific curriculum, alumni network in the Southeast, and connections to architecture firms translate to job outcomes.
What matters most is whether your student is committed to this particular career path. Interior Architecture sits at the intersection of design, construction knowledge, and spatial planning—it's more technical than Interior Design but distinct from full Architecture programs. If they're certain about this direction, the estimated debt level won't be crushing. If they're still exploring design fields, programs with more transparent outcomes data might offer clearer cost-benefit pictures.
Where Auburn University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all interior architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Interior Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $44,811* | — | $22,834* | — |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $50,681* | $56,839 | $18,250* | 0.36 |
 California State University-SacramentoSacramento | $7,602 | $50,108* | $56,590 | $16,500* | 0.33 |
 University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln | $10,108 | $46,293* | $55,806 | $26,876* | 0.58 |
 Chatham UniversityPittsburgh | $43,810 | $45,785* | — | —* | — |
 Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins | $12,896 | $45,774* | — | $22,417* | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $44,811* | — | $23,250* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with interior architecture graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Auburn University, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 15 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.