Architecture at University of the District of Columbia

An estimated debt load of $26,000 for what similar architecture bachelor's programs nationally suggest will yield $47,000 in first-year earnings puts this program slightly ahead of the national norm—though just barely. Most architecture bachelor's programs nationally produce similar outcomes, with median first-year earnings around $47,000 and median debt of $27,000, so this appears to track closely with industry-wide patterns rather than representing a distinctive advantage.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 means graduates are looking at roughly half a year's salary in debt, which is manageable territory for a professional degree. Architecture programs at DC's other institutions show comparable earnings patterns, suggesting the local job market for entry-level architects hovers in the mid-40s regardless of where you earn the credential. With 43% of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters here, and keeping debt around $26,000 while maintaining earnings on par with peer programs nationwide offers reasonable value.

The challenge is that these figures tell us what happens at similar programs elsewhere, not what UDC's specific graduates experience. For a field as portfolio- and apprenticeship-driven as architecture, where outcomes can vary significantly based on local connections and studio quality, that uncertainty carries weight. If your child is serious about architecture and this is the most affordable option, the estimated numbers don't raise red flags—but connecting with current students and recent alumni would provide the ground truth these estimates can't.