Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$41,942
Est. from TX median (4 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$22,600
Est. from TX median (4 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.

Analysis

In Texas, Interior Architecture programs produce first-year earnings ranging from roughly $36,000 to over $50,000, and based on comparable programs, University of Houston likely falls somewhere in the middle of that pack—estimated around $42,000 with debt near $22,600. That debt level represents just over half of first-year income, which is manageable by most standards, though the earning potential itself may feel modest for a four-year degree. Programs like University of North Texas demonstrate that significantly higher starting salaries are possible in this field within the same state, suggesting the credential's value varies considerably by institution.

What complicates this picture is that both the earnings and debt figures are estimates derived from a handful of Texas programs, not reported outcomes from UH graduates specifically. The actual experience could differ—positively or negatively—from what peer programs suggest. For a major that directly prepares students for a specific career path, starting around $42,000 puts graduates in a reasonable position to manage their loans, but it's not the kind of immediate financial return that makes the investment obviously compelling.

The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to interior architecture, this program appears financially viable based on what similar Texas programs deliver, but understanding UH's specific placement rates, internship connections, and whether graduates typically supplement income with freelance work would help clarify whether this estimate reflects reality.

Where University of Houston Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Interior Architecture bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$41,942*—$22,600*—
University of North TexasDenton$11,164$50,681*$56,839$18,250*0.36
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock$11,852$45,345*$53,906$21,950*0.48
Stephen F Austin State UniversityNacogdoches$10,600$38,538*—$23,250*0.60
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio$8,991$36,513*—$30,525*0.84
National Median—$44,811*—$23,250*0.52
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with interior 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

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:

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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.

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 median of 4 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.