Architectural Sciences and Technology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois's architectural program produces surprisingly modest outcomes for such a selective institution—graduates earn $41,102 their first year, roughly 20% below the national median and barely edging out Illinois Institute of Technology, the state's only comparison school. The moderate debt load of $21,291 keeps the program from being a poor value proposition, with the 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio suggesting manageable financial risk. However, at a 1418 average SAT, parents should expect their high-achieving students to see stronger starting salaries, especially compared to architecture programs at peer flagship universities.

The state context offers little reassurance—while this program technically ranks in the 60th percentile among Illinois schools, that comparison is virtually meaningless with only two programs statewide. Nationally, graduating in the 14th earnings percentile is concerning for a field where design skills and institutional reputation should matter. The debt picture is relatively better, sitting below the $27,000 national median, which prevents this from being a financial disaster.

For families considering this program, the question is whether architecture as a career justifies starting $8,000 below national benchmarks for the field. The low debt provides some breathing room for career development, but these aren't the returns you'd expect from a top-tier public university. If your child is passionate about architecture, this won't derail their future, but you should discuss realistic first-year salary expectations.