Median Earnings (1yr)
$52,841
50th percentile
Est. Median Debt
$25,735
Est. from national median (10 programs)

Analysis

The estimated $25,735 in debt for this landscape architecture degree—based on borrowing patterns across University of Kentucky's bachelor's programs—represents a manageable burden against $52,841 in first-year earnings. That 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could potentially pay off their loans in six months of gross income, a favorable position in today's higher education landscape.

University of Kentucky is the only school in the state offering a bachelor's in landscape architecture, which limits direct comparison but also suggests a degree of market positioning. The $52,841 starting salary matches the national median exactly, placing graduates right in the middle of the pack compared to the 61 programs nationwide. This isn't a field known for explosive early earnings—even top-quartile programs nationally only reach about $54,777—so the real value comes from steady employment in a specialized profession with licensing potential.

The practical calculus here is straightforward: modest debt for credentials that lead to a defined career path. While we're working with estimated debt figures rather than actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, the fundamental equation—roughly half a year's earnings in loans for entry into a profession with clear career progression—suggests reasonable value. For students genuinely interested in landscape architecture, this represents a solid in-state option without the financial strain that burdens many bachelor's degree holders.

Where University of Kentucky Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Kentucky graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Landscape Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of KentuckyLexington$13,212$52,841—$25,735*—
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—*—
University of GeorgiaAthens$11,180$54,777$60,412$27,000*0.49
National Median—$52,841—$25,734*0.49
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with landscape 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:

Landscape Architects

Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.

$79,660/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 Kentucky, approximately 22% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.