2026 Best Value architecture Schools in California

1

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Fresno the best value for a degree in architecture in California. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Architecture graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from California State University Fresno generally make around $49,502. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants.

2

California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, CA

A rank of #2 makes California State Polytechnic University Pomona one of the best values for architecture. Set in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,781, while out-of-state students pay about $20,381. Architecture graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $57,514. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.

3

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Students looking for strong value in architecture will find it at University Of California Los Angeles, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete the architecture program here. Early-career architecture graduates make about $63,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants.

4

University Of California Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Students looking for strong value in architecture will find it at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the architecture program here. Architecture graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $50,917 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants.

5

University Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

A rank of #5 makes University Of San Francisco one of the best values for architecture. University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Francisco. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. The acceptance rate is 62%.