Analysis
Temple's landscape architecture program faces a reality check at the four-year mark: earnings actually dip slightly to $51,876, lower than the estimated first-year figure of $52,841 based on national peer programs. This stagnation is unusual and worth questioning—most fields show growth over time, not decline. With estimated debt around $25,735, the immediate financial burden is manageable at a 0.49 ratio, but the lack of earning progression undermines the long-term value proposition.
The national landscape tells a constrained story. Only 61 schools nationwide offer bachelor's degrees in landscape architecture, and earnings cluster tightly—even top-performing programs at the 75th percentile only reach $54,777. This suggests the field itself has a compressed salary structure early in careers, with limited room for standout programs to differentiate their graduates financially. Temple's accessibility (83% admission rate, 30% Pell recipients) makes it an attainable path into the profession, but families shouldn't expect this credential to deliver financial momentum in the first several years.
The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to landscape architecture specifically, Temple offers entry at a reasonable debt level based on comparable programs. But given the flat or declining early earnings trajectory here, they'll need either family financial support during those first years or a clear plan for how their career will accelerate beyond what these numbers show.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all landscape 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | — | $51,876 | — |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $47,253 | $70,272 | +49% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $54,214 | $67,119 | +24% |
| Ball State University | $59,972 | $64,800 | +8% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $60,668 | $62,645 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Landscape Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Temple UniversityPhiladelphia | $22,082 | $52,841* | $51,876 | $25,735* | — |
 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge | $11,954 | $60,668* | $62,645 | —* | — |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $59,972* | $64,800 | —* | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $58,331* | $58,474 | $22,433* | 0.38 |
 University of Rhode IslandKingston | $16,408 | $57,920* | $54,744 | —* | — |
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $54,777* | $60,412 | $27,000* | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $52,841* | — | $25,734* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with landscape architecture graduates
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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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 national median of 17 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.