Analysis
Morgan State's architecture graduates start with surprisingly low earnings—$26,282 ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—but the story gets more complex. By year four, salaries jump to $55,263, an impressive 110% increase that actually surpasses the national median. This dramatic growth suggests graduates may be entering the workforce at entry-level positions or internships common in architecture, then moving into licensed professional roles as they gain experience and credentials.
The concerning part is timing: with $30,500 in debt and those low initial earnings, graduates face real financial pressure during licensure years when they're also studying for professional exams. Even after the earnings boost, the program still trails University of Maryland's architecture graduates by about $9,000 annually. Among Maryland's two architecture programs, Morgan State ranks 25th percentile for earnings, meaning it's the lower-earning option in the state.
The small sample size here is critical—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so one person's career path can skew these numbers significantly. For families considering this program, the question becomes whether your student can weather those lean first years while pursuing licensure. If cost is a major factor and Maryland is your state, this becomes a tougher sell given UMD's stronger outcomes and similar debt burden.
Where Morgan State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Morgan State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan State University | $26,282 | $55,263 | +110% |
| Boston Architectural College | $55,079 | $81,506 | +48% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $57,514 | $73,603 | +28% |
| University of Notre Dame | $62,957 | $71,931 | +14% |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $46,347 | $63,218 | +36% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Architecture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,118 | $26,282 | $55,263 | $30,500 | 1.16 | |
| $11,505 | $46,347 | $63,218 | $22,654 | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $47,046 | — | $27,000 | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with architecture graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Morgan State University, approximately 54% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.