2026 Best Value architecture Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Marywood University
Scranton, PA

Marywood University tops our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools in Pennsylvania. Set in the city of Scranton, Marywood University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,420. Architecture graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from Marywood University generally make around $48,650. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants.

2

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Architecture graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Architecture graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $56,926 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

3

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

A rank of #3 makes Carnegie Mellon University one of the best values for architecture. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Architecture graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Soon after graduation, architecture degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University generally make around $89,327. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

4

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

5

Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. Set in the city of Bethlehem, Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. Architecture graduates carry a median of $23,008 in student loans. Architecture graduates of Lehigh University earn a median of $70,321 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,008 median debt. The acceptance rate is 26%.

6

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value architecture schools. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete the architecture program here. Architecture graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $57,730 early in their careers. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.