Analysis
Tulane's architecture program sits at an interesting crossroads: based on comparable programs nationally, graduates can expect around $47,000 in first-year earnings—significantly above Louisiana's median of $42,400 for architecture degrees—while carrying an estimated $28,400 in debt. That 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, particularly as earnings climb to over $62,000 by year four. The premium over LSU's reported outcomes ($42,400) hints that Tulane's selective admissions and national network may translate to stronger initial placement.
The catch is that these figures come from peer institutions, not Tulane's actual graduates in this program. Architecture programs vary considerably in their connections to regional markets and firms, and Tulane's small cohort size (hence the suppressed data) means outcomes could swing either direction. What we do know: architecture as a field rewards persistence through licensure, and that fourth-year jump to $62,000 suggests graduates are moving along that credential path. For a family comfortable with $28,000 in debt and aware they're making a choice based on limited program-specific evidence, the trajectory looks reasonable—but this isn't a decision you can make purely on the numbers. Connect with recent alumni directly to understand whether Tulane's particular program delivers on that estimated promise.
Where Tulane University of Louisiana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane University of Louisiana | — | $62,269 | — |
| 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% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $42,400 | $63,208 | +49% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana
Architecture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,538 | $47,047* | $62,269 | $28,419* | — | |
| $11,954 | $42,400* | $63,208 | $26,500* | 0.63 | |
| 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 Tulane University of Louisiana, approximately 9% 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 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.