Analysis
University of Georgia graduates from this landscape architecture program with manageable debt and earnings that place them ahead of three-quarters of similar programs nationwide. Starting at nearly $55,000 with just $27,000 in debt—a 0.49 ratio that's well below concerning thresholds—graduates see steady income growth to over $60,000 by year four. This combination of below-median debt and above-median earnings creates a solid financial foundation, particularly for a creative field where passion often comes at the cost of practicality.
The real story here is trajectory. While landscape architecture isn't the highest-paying design field, UGA's program delivers earnings that beat 75% of competitors nationally while keeping debt 25% lower than typical. That $27,000 debt load means graduates aren't trapped by payments when considering job offers—they can pursue opportunities that align with their design interests rather than just chasing salaries. The 10% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests graduates gain market value as they build portfolios and professional networks.
For families concerned about return on investment in a design field, this program threads the needle effectively. It's selective enough to signal quality (37% admission rate) without being a financial gamble. Graduates leave positioned to succeed in both traditional landscape architecture firms and adjacent fields like urban planning or environmental design, all without the debt burden that might force them into purely corporate roles.
Where University of Georgia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all landscape architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | $54,777 | $60,412 | +10% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $54,777 | $60,412 | $27,000 | 0.49 |
 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 | — | — |
 Texas Tech UniversityLubbock | $11,852 | $54,701 | $53,917 | $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 University of Georgia, approximately 17% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.