Analysis
Syracuse's Architecture program shows a debt load that peer institutions suggest should be manageable, with estimated borrowing around $28,400—actually below both the national and New York state medians for architecture degrees. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means graduates would owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary, a reasonable burden compared to many professional programs.
The four-year earnings figure of $69,000 reveals something important: architecture graduates see substantial income growth after those initial years. While first-year earnings based on comparable New York programs sit near $49,000 (right at the state median), the jump to nearly $70,000 by year four suggests the career trajectory strengthens as graduates gain licensure and experience. This pattern is typical in architecture, where entry-level positions often involve apprenticeship-like roles before professionals command higher fees.
The caveat here is that these earnings and debt figures come from peer programs, not Syracuse's actual graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty. What you can say with confidence is that Syracuse's outcomes likely fall somewhere in the range of other New York architecture programs—which span from $38,000 at University at Buffalo to $54,000 at RPI in that crucial first year. Given Syracuse's 1351 average SAT and selective admissions, outcomes closer to the higher end seem plausible, but you're making an educated guess rather than relying on verified data.
Where Syracuse University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University | — | $68,998 | — |
| Boston Architectural College | $55,079 | $81,506 | +48% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $57,514 | $73,603 | +28% |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $54,334 | $67,304 | +24% |
| University at Buffalo | $37,622 | $56,984 | +51% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Architecture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (12 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $63,061 | $49,192* | $68,998 | $28,419* | — | |
| $61,884 | $54,334* | $67,304 | $31,000* | 0.57 | |
| $8,862 | $49,192* | — | $31,000* | 0.63 | |
| $10,782 | $37,622* | $56,984 | $22,854* | 0.61 | |
| 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 Syracuse University, approximately 16% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.