2026 Best Value architecture Schools in the Far Western Region

1

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Fresno the best value for a degree in architecture in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Typical student debt for architecture graduates is $15,598. Architecture graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $49,502 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State Polytechnic University Pomona earned it the #2 place for architecture. California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public school located in the suburb of Pomona. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, compared with $20,381 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete the architecture program here. Architecture graduates of California State Polytechnic University Pomona earn a median of $57,514 early in their careers. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.

3

University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV

University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. Located in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete the architecture program here. Early-career architecture graduates make about $50,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

4

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical student debt for architecture graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $32,678. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

5

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

A rank of #5 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the best values for architecture. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical student debt for architecture graduates is $20,423. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $55,967. Set against $20,423 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles landed the #6 spot for architecture value this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Architecture graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Architecture graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $63,833 early in their careers. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

University Of California Berkeley came in at #7 for value in architecture this year. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Architecture graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Early-career architecture graduates make about $50,917. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

8

University Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco landed the #8 spot for architecture value this year. Set in the city of San Francisco, University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. Architecture graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Architecture graduates of University Of San Francisco earn a median of $37,556 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of San Francisco admits about 62% of applicants.