Location: Boston, MA•In-State Tuition: $41,010•Admission Rate: 85%•Avg SAT: 1226
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,261
Est. from national median (28 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$30,813
Est. from national median (10 programs)

Analysis

A projected debt load of $30,813 for a technical bachelor's degree stands out immediately—especially when similar architectural technology programs in Massachusetts typically carry debts closer to $23,750. Based on comparable programs nationally, first-year earnings around $49,000 translate to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63, which is manageable but notably lower than what Massachusetts peers typically deliver. UMass-Amherst's architectural technology graduates, for instance, earn $64,939—roughly $15,000 more annually than what national peer programs suggest for this field.

The gap matters because Wentworth's higher estimated debt paired with earnings at the national median (rather than the state median) creates a longer payback timeline. Massachusetts architectural technology programs generally offer stronger earning potential, likely reflecting Boston's robust construction and development market. If this program's outcomes align more with national patterns than state patterns, families should understand they're potentially paying a premium—both in higher debt and Boston living costs—without capturing the earnings advantage that other local programs deliver.

The fundamental question is whether Wentworth's specialized focus and industry connections will push actual outcomes above what these national estimates suggest. Given the uncertainty, families might request placement data directly from the school and compare job outcomes with graduates from UMass or other in-state alternatives before committing to this debt level.

Where Wentworth Institute of Technology Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all architectural sciences and technology bachelors's programs nationally

Wentworth Institute of Technology (estimated ±10%)Other architectural sciences and technology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Architectural Sciences and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Wentworth Institute of TechnologyBoston$41,010$49,261*—$30,813*—
University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst$17,357$64,939*—$23,750*0.37
National Median—$49,261*—$27,000*0.55
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with architectural sciences and technology 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:

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate'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 Wentworth Institute of Technology, approximately 23% 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 28 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.