Architecture at Hobart William Smith Colleges

Starting at under $30,000 one year out is rough for any degree, but architecture graduates typically see their earnings climb as they gain experience and licensure—this first-year number represents entry-level drafting work, not the full career trajectory. The modest debt load of $26,750 is actually encouraging here, ranking in the 25th percentile nationally (meaning 75% of architecture programs saddle students with more debt). That sub-1.0 debt-to-earnings ratio gives graduates breathing room during those lean early years.

The real caveat is the tiny sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means one person's career choice can swing these numbers significantly. With only four schools in New York offering undergraduate architecture, and this program landing at the state median for both earnings and debt, you're looking at a program that performs exactly average within a very limited in-state landscape.

For a family considering this program, the key question is whether your child plans to pursue architecture licensure and stick with the field. If so, the manageable debt matters more than the starting salary. If they're uncertain about the profession, the early earnings may not justify even moderate borrowing at a small liberal arts college when larger state schools might offer architecture at lower cost.