Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).
Analysis
Clemson's landscape architecture program sits right at South Carolina's median for the field—which makes sense, since it's the only program offered in-state. The $27,000 debt load is actually lighter than the national median, and with first-year earnings around $51,300, graduates face a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means students borrow about six months of their starting salary, which is reasonable by today's standards.
The trajectory shows modest but steady growth: earnings tick up 8% to $55,462 by year four. While the program ranks in the 43rd percentile nationally for earnings (meaning graduates earn less than many peers elsewhere), South Carolina's lower cost of living may offset some of that gap. The 60th percentile state ranking is less meaningful here given Clemson's monopoly on the major within SC. Students serious about landscape architecture who want to stay in-state don't have alternatives to compare against.
The big caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably from these medians. For families looking at a solid regional program with controlled debt, Clemson delivers on the financial fundamentals—just recognize you're not entering a high-earning field, regardless of where you study it. The reasonable debt burden makes this workable for students committed to the profession.
Where Clemson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all landscape architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Clemson University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University | $51,304 | $55,462 | +8% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $47,253 | $70,272 | +49% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $54,214 | $67,119 | +24% |
| Ball State University | $59,972 | $64,800 | +8% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $60,668 | $62,645 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Landscape Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Clemson UniversityClemson | $15,554 | $51,304 | $55,462 | $27,000 | 0.53 |
 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge | $11,954 | $60,668 | $62,645 | — | — |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $59,972 | $64,800 | — | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $58,331 | $58,474 | $22,433 | 0.38 |
 University of Rhode IslandKingston | $16,408 | $57,920 | $54,744 | — | — |
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $54,777 | $60,412 | $27,000 | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $52,841 | — | $25,734 | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with landscape architecture graduates
Explore Related Programs
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 Clemson University, approximately 15% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.