Landscape Architecture at Utah State University

A debt load around $26,000 against starting earnings that peer landscape architecture programs typically produce—roughly $53,000—creates a manageable financial foundation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 means graduates would need less than half their first year's salary to cover what they borrowed, a threshold that many financial advisors consider reasonable. By year four, when earnings reach nearly $62,000, that debt becomes even less burdensome relative to income.

What's worth noting here is that landscape architecture is a licensed profession in many states, requiring both education and experience before full credentials. The earnings trajectory from year one to year four—nearly $9,000 in growth—suggests graduates are progressing through that professional development. Since Utah State is the only institution in the state offering this bachelor's degree, your child wouldn't have in-state alternatives to compare, though the program's outcomes appear consistent with what landscape architecture programs produce nationally.

The main uncertainty is whether Utah State's specific program performs better or worse than these national benchmarks. With admission rates above 90% and moderate academic selectivity, the university serves a broad student population, which could mean either opportunity for motivated students or variability in outcomes. If your child is genuinely interested in landscape architecture as a career—not just outdoor design generally—this appears financially viable, but connecting with the program's recent graduates would help confirm whether these estimates reflect their actual experience.