Architecture at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University's architecture program starts graduates at $36,750—well below the national median of $47,046 for architecture bachelor's degrees. However, context matters here: Rhode Island has only three architecture programs, and this one actually ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it's middle-of-the-pack for the state even if it lags nationally. The $27,000 median debt is exactly average for architecture programs nationwide, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 that's manageable compared to many design fields.

The 63% earnings jump to nearly $60,000 by year four is noteworthy and brings graduates closer to competitive territory. Architecture is notoriously slow to reward early-career professionals as they work toward licensure, so this trajectory isn't unusual. Still, breaking into the field from a regional program means your child will likely start behind peers from higher-ranked schools.

The critical caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, making them potentially unreliable. For a field where internships, portfolio quality, and licensing matter enormously, individual outcomes will vary widely. If your child is committed to architecture and prefers staying in New England, this program offers reasonable debt with solid growth potential—just understand they'll need to hustle early on to compensate for the below-average starting salary.