Best colleges for Architecture in California
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the California programs in the federal field-of-study file, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona leads: its Architecture graduates earn a median $76,969 four years after finishing, against the field's $66,914 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $76,969 | +$10,055 |
| 2 | University of California-Berkeley | $76,679 | +$9,765 |
| 3 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $76,613 | +$9,699 |
Frequently asked questions
Which California college is best for Architecture?
By graduate earnings, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona — its Architecture bachelor's graduates earn a median $76,969 four years out, the highest of the 3 California programs in the federal file.
What do Architecture graduates earn in California?
Across the ranked California programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $76,613 to $76,969. The field's national median is $66,914.
Is a Architecture degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — Architecture graduates earn $18,554/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.