Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,047
Est. from national median (66 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$28,419
Est. from national median (17 programs)

Analysis

With estimated debt of $28,419 and first-year earnings around $47,000 based on comparable architecture programs nationally, Tuskegee's numbers align almost perfectly with typical outcomes for bachelor's-level architecture degrees across the country. That 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within a manageable range, though it's worth noting that Alabama's architecture graduates—led by Auburn at $53,146—typically earn about $6,000 more annually than the national baseline suggests for this program.

Architecture is a field where the bachelor's degree often represents just the first step toward licensure, and entry-level salaries reflect that reality. The estimated figures here track with what similar programs produce nationally, but they also highlight a practical challenge: starting salaries in the mid-$40s require careful financial planning when paired with nearly $30,000 in debt. The profession rewards patience and additional credentials over time, but the early years can be lean.

For families considering Tuskegee's architecture program, the key question is whether the smaller program size and specialized environment justify outcomes that appear competitive nationally but lag slightly behind the state's flagship option. The debt load isn't alarming, but prospective students should understand they're likely looking at several years before architecture salaries rise substantially—and that assumes they continue toward licensure rather than pivoting to adjacent fields.

Where Tuskegee University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all architecture bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Architecture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (3 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Tuskegee UniversityTuskegee$23,440$47,047*—$28,419*—
Auburn UniversityAuburn$12,536$53,146*$66,363$28,000*0.53
National Median—$47,046*—$27,000*0.57
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with architecture graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.

$96,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Tuskegee University, approximately 48% 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.