Architecture at Judson University

At just over $41,000 starting salary, Judson's architecture program leaves graduates earning roughly $6,000 below the national median and slightly below Illinois' typical outcome. While the debt load is manageable at $26,221, the real challenge is the earnings trajectory: architecture graduates often need several years of licensure-related work before reaching peak earning potential, and starting this low extends that timeline. Among Illinois' five architecture programs, Judson ranks near the middle—behind Illinois Institute of Technology and Southern Illinois, but notably ahead of UIC's surprisingly low $27,500 median.

The program serves a more price-sensitive student body (40% Pell recipients), which makes the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 more concerning than it might appear. A first-year salary of $41,000 translates to roughly $3,400 monthly before taxes, making loan payments a meaningful burden even with federal income-driven plans. The small graduating class (under 30 students) means one or two outlier outcomes could shift these numbers significantly, but the pattern suggests this program may be preparing students for residential or smaller-scale architecture work rather than the higher-paying commercial positions that drive earnings at top programs.

For families considering this program, the question is whether Judson's likely lower tuition and smaller studio environment offset the earnings gap. If your child is debt-averse or needs to start earning quickly after graduation, the stronger programs at IIT or SIU-Carbondale justify serious comparison shopping.