Analysis
Sacramento State's Interior Architecture program is one of the strongest value propositions you'll find in this field. At $50,108 starting out, graduates earn 12% above the national median for interior architecture programs, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. Even more impressive: they're doing this with just $16,500 in debt—nearly $7,000 below the national median and among the lowest debt loads in the country for this major.
The numbers get better over time. Four years out, earnings climb to $56,590, showing 13% growth while most interior architecture programs see graduates plateau quickly. That modest debt means graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33, so they're earning three times what they owe—a manageable burden that leaves room for building savings or making career moves without financial panic. With California's only other interior architecture program producing identical outcomes, Sacramento State is sharing the top spot in the state by default, but the national comparison makes clear this isn't just local success.
The program's 94% admission rate and 49% Pell grant population suggest Sacramento State is making this strong outcome accessible to a broad range of students, not just selective admits. For an anxious parent, this is straightforward: competitive earnings with minimal debt from an affordable CSU school.
Where California State University-Sacramento Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all interior architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How California State University-Sacramento graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Sacramento | $50,108 | $56,590 | +13% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $44,511 | $57,174 | +28% |
| University of North Texas | $50,681 | $56,839 | +12% |
| Thomas Jefferson University | $44,696 | $56,048 | +25% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $46,293 | $55,806 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Interior Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 California State University-SacramentoSacramento | $7,602 | $50,108 | $56,590 | $16,500 | 0.33 |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $50,681 | $56,839 | $18,250 | 0.36 |
 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 |
 The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville | $13,484 | $45,448 | — | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| 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 California State University-Sacramento, approximately 49% 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.