Architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD's architecture program estimates place it squarely at the national median—around $47,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $28,400 in debt—but that story gets more complicated when you look at Georgia's landscape. The two state programs with reported outcomes show architecture graduates earning $49,000 to $56,000, suggesting SCAD's graduates might land in the lower range compared to in-state alternatives like Georgia Tech or Kennesaw State.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60 is manageable by national standards, meaning graduates would owe about seven months' salary. That's not alarming, but architecture is a field where earnings grow considerably with licensure and experience—typically taking 3-7 years to complete after graduation. The first-year number reflects entry-level work in firms, not the profession's long-term potential. Based on peer programs nationally, SCAD's debt load appears typical for architecture students, though Georgia Tech's reported outcomes suggest a public university might deliver similar (or better) results at potentially lower cost for in-state students.

The key question is whether SCAD's design-focused reputation and industry connections justify attending when Georgia has cheaper public options with stronger reported earnings. Given the estimates here, you'd want to talk directly with SCAD about actual placement rates, firm connections, and whether their graduates are landing the kinds of positions that lead to licensure and career advancement.