Est. Earnings (1yr)
$50,917
Est. from CA median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$28,419
Est. from national median (17 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
California Baptist UniversityRiverside$39,720$50,917*$28,419*
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$60,634*$70,760$27,500*0.45
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$57,514*$73,603$28,000*0.49
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley$14,850$50,917*$63,901$15,000*0.29
Woodbury UniversityBurbank$44,886$49,410*$66,294$41,750*0.84
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco$58,222$37,556*$70,929$27,000*0.72
National Median$47,046*$27,000*0.57
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with architecture graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

$96,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.