Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,047
Est. from national median (66 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,000
Est. from national median (53 programs)

Analysis

Architecture programs nationally show a fairly consistent pattern: first-year earnings around $47,000 and debt in the mid-$20,000s. The University of Utah's program appears to track this baseline, with estimated debt of $26,000—slightly below the national median—and four-year earnings of nearly $63,000 showing typical progression as architects gain licensure requirements and experience.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55 suggests graduates could reasonably manage repayment, with debt sitting at about half their first-year income. This is manageable territory, though architecture's licensing path means these early years often involve lower pay while working under supervision. The jump to $62,795 by year four is encouraging and reflects how compensation grows as professionals move toward independent practice.

The challenge here is limited visibility: with only two architecture programs in Utah and both showing estimated rather than reported figures, it's difficult to gauge how this specific program performs relative to local alternatives. What you can see is that the estimated numbers align with national norms for architecture—a field that requires patience through lower-earning early years but generally offers stable mid-career prospects. For families comfortable with that timeline and the $26,000 debt estimate, the fundamentals look reasonable, though you're making this decision without seeing how Utah's actual graduates fare.

Where University of Utah Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Utah$62,795
Boston Architectural College$55,079$81,506+48%
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona$57,514$73,603+28%
University of Notre Dame$62,957$71,931+14%
University of San Francisco$37,556$70,929+89%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of UtahSalt Lake City$9,315$47,047*$62,795$26,000*
University of Notre DameNotre Dame$62,693$62,957*$71,931$28,419*0.45
University of MiamiCoral Gables$59,926$61,071*$60,852*
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$60,634*$70,760$27,500*0.45
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$57,730*$70,265$31,000*0.54
Ball State UniversityMuncie$10,758$57,603*$54,007$28,670*0.50
National Median$47,046*$27,000*0.57
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Utah, approximately 20% 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 national median of 66 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.