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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,315 | $47,047* | $62,795 | $26,000* | — | |
| $62,693 | $62,957* | $71,931 | $28,419* | 0.45 | |
| $59,926 | $61,071* | $60,852 | —* | — | |
| $11,075 | $60,634* | $70,760 | $27,500* | 0.45 | |
| $60,663 | $57,730* | $70,265 | $31,000* | 0.54 | |
| $10,758 | $57,603* | $54,007 | $28,670* | 0.50 | |
| National Median | — | $47,046* | — | $27,000* | 0.57 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with architecture graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
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.