Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,388
60th percentile
Median Debt
$26,250
3% below national median

Analysis

University of Houston architecture graduates earn $58,472 four years out, putting them solidly above both the national median ($47,046) and well ahead of Texas's state median ($42,798) for the program. At the 60th percentile statewide, UH trails only UT Austin among major Texas architecture programs—a notable achievement given UH's 70% admission rate serves a significantly more accessible student population (41% receive Pell grants). The $26,250 median debt sits right at national norms and just slightly above the state median, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53.

The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests UH architecture grads are gaining traction in the profession, likely as they complete licensure requirements and move beyond entry-level positions. For context, architecture tends to reward persistence: earnings typically accelerate as professionals gain experience and credentials. Starting at $49,388 isn't luxurious for a design-intensive field, but the trajectory is promising.

For parents weighing options, this represents solid value—particularly for Texas residents paying in-state tuition. Your child would be entering a competitive program that demonstrably outperforms most state alternatives while keeping debt reasonable. The profession demands patience for financial payoff, but UH's track record suggests graduates are building viable careers.

Where University of Houston Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Houston$49,388$58,472+18%
The University of Texas at Austin$56,327$60,340+7%
Texas A&M University-College Station$45,431$60,257+33%
The University of Texas at Arlington$40,166$58,728+46%
Texas Tech University$39,060$54,109+39%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Architecture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (9 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$49,388$58,472$26,2500.53
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$56,327$60,340$21,0000.37
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$45,431$60,257$18,4650.41
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington$11,728$40,166$58,728$23,5350.59
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio$8,991$39,181$48,664$23,0000.59
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock$11,852$39,060$54,109$21,6990.56
National Median$47,046$27,0000.57

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 University of Houston, approximately 41% 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 85 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.