Analysis
California's architecture programs show a wide earnings spread, and without actual graduate outcomes from California Baptist University, prospective students are navigating considerable uncertainty. The estimated first-year salary of $50,917 aligns with the state median, putting this program in the middle of the pack—well behind Cal Poly SLO's $60,634 but significantly ahead of University of San Francisco's $37,556. The estimated debt load of $28,419 produces a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, though that figure derives from national peer institutions rather than CBU's actual graduates.
Architecture traditionally demands a professional degree (Master of Architecture) for licensure, meaning most students will need graduate school. That makes the undergraduate debt picture particularly important—you're looking at this as just the first layer of educational investment. The moderate estimated debt here could position graduates well for continued study, assuming the actual outcomes mirror those of comparable programs.
Without school-specific data, families should dig deeper into CBU's architecture program specifics: Does it have professional accreditation? What's the track record for graduate school placement? The estimates suggest reasonable value, but you're essentially betting that this program performs like its peers rather than knowing how CBU graduates actually fare in the job market.
Where California Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Architecture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,720 | $50,917* | — | $28,419* | — | |
| $11,075 | $60,634* | $70,760 | $27,500* | 0.45 | |
| $7,439 | $57,514* | $73,603 | $28,000* | 0.49 | |
| $14,850 | $50,917* | $63,901 | $15,000* | 0.29 | |
| $44,886 | $49,410* | $66,294 | $41,750* | 0.84 | |
| $58,222 | $37,556* | $70,929 | $27,000* | 0.72 | |
| National Median | — | $47,046* | — | $27,000* | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with architecture graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
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 California Baptist University, approximately 41% 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 median of 5 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.