Top Architecture Colleges in USA

Over 200 architecture colleges in USA offer various programs at bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. According to the QS World University Ranking 2021 for architecture, 43 universities of the USA made it to the top 250 architecture colleges in the world. Among them, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked 1st in the world. Harvard University and University of California (Berkeley) were ranked at 5th and 7th respectively.

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for architects in the USA is expected to increase by 1% from 2019 to 2029.
• This is slower than the national average but imoroved BIM model and technology are expected to increase architects productivity.
• Average pay of architects in USA is 82,320 USD annually as per May 2020. 
• California has the highest number of employment for architects in the USA in the year 2021.

Top Ranking Architecture Colleges in USA

Aspirants must take care of the university rankings in order to get the best outcomes during & after the completion of the course. Following are the top QS ranking Architecture Universities in the USA:

Specialization and Degrees at Architecture Colleges in USA

Architecture courses in the USA offer various specializations depending upon the type of the course. There are separate specializations for bachelors and masters. Here are the specializations offered in the architecture universities in USA:

Bachelors from Architecture Colleges in USA

BArch, BA, and BS are some of the degrees available in architecture universities in USA. Some popular programs along with their duration and annual fees are listed below:

Admission Eligibility for Bachelors from Architecture Colleges in USA

Students who want to apply for a bachelor's degree from the USA must ensure to have these basic qualifications. Eligibility criteria may vary depending upon the university you are applying:

• A strong academic record.
• Letter of recommendation.
• SAT Score: Average 400 for overall test
• ACT Score: Average score between 25 - 36

Admission Requirements for Bachelors from Architecture Colleges in USA

• Academic records, 10th & 12th grade qualifying certificate.
• Proof of proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS). Minimum score for TOEFL iBT is 46 to 59 and IELTS is 6.5 or more.
• A Statement of purpose.

Cost of Pursuing Bachelors from Architecture Colleges in USA

In the USA, the average tuition fees for undergraduate architecture programs range between 42,000 USD to 59,000 USD per annum. It may vary depending on the type of university (public or private). However, scholarships for international students in the USA are plenty to support funding for their education.

Other Regular Expenses

Following are the other regular expenditures in daily life. The average expense range is mentioned along with the estimated percentage contribution of each item in a month:

Masters at Architecture Colleges in USA

Students who completed their undergraduate degree under any specialization of architecture can apply for masters in architecture in USA can check out the below-mentioned master programs offered by the mentioned universities of USA, along with the fee structure & duration:

Eligibility for Masters in Architecture in USA Admission

• All the applicants shall be accepted on the basis of regulations set by the specific universities/graduate schools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture of any field related to designing.
• English Proficiency test: IELTS, TOFEL, PTE
• Average GPA of 3.5 and above
• Standard scores of GRE accepted are between 310 to 315. GMAT: 650 to 690 is good, a score of 700 or higher is great.
• CV/Resume
• 2 to 3 Letter of Recommendation.

Also Check: Samples of LOR for USA.

Admission Requirements for Masters in Architecture in USA

• Transcripts: In a sealed envelope, stamped and signed by the respective HOD/Principal.
• Mark sheets: Mark sheets of previously attended institutions, attested by the HOD/Principal.
• CV: An updated CV must be submitted and according to the correct format. It must include the level of research undertaken and/or work experience.
• Statement of Purpose: SOP must be drafted well in time, should be submitted along with the application. It must include details of the applicants, his/her goals and expectations from the course.
• Letters of Recommendation: At least 2 to 3 LORs must be submitted. They can be submitted online or offline depending upon the mode of application submission.
• Financial Statement: Bank statement not more than 3 months old, showing sufficient funds for at least one year of study must be submitted.
• Health Insurance: This is required if an applicant is applying for admissions in US universities.
• Identity Proof: Passport for visa process.

Doctorate from Architecture Colleges in USA

The PhD in Architecture is a research degree offering the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of a departmental member of staff. Applicants who meet the course requirements and whose research interests match those of an available member of the academic staff are accepted for the program.

Here are the top universities offering a PhD Degree in Architecture in the USA:

Eligibility for PhD from Architecture Colleges in USA Admission

• Applicants must have appropriate academic credentials (a master’s degree or equivalent in architecture, engineering, environmental design, or, exceptionally, in a related field).
• GRE score
• Official Transcripts issued by a previous school or college.

Admission Requirements for PhD from Architecture Colleges in USA

• 2-3 Letters of Recommendation from teachers or professors.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Proof of funds availability for 1 year of the tuition fee.
• A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor's degree)
• A transcript/record of your previous courses, a scan of your passport.
• CV, Testing scores, Evidence of scholarship or funding.

Scholarships Available in Architecture Colleges in USA 

Studying abroad can seem a little difficult because of the finances required. However, there are various scholarships provided in the USA for international students to help them.

The scholarships available for Indian students in USA who wish to pursue a course from architecture colleges in USA are:

Tata Scholarship for Cornell University

The Tata Education and Development Trust established a 25 million USD endowment with Cornell University to fund meritorious Indian students pursuing undergraduate studies. It supports around 20 scholars each year by offering the Tata-Cornell Scholarship.

• Application: Applications open around October & November. Awards are offered by December.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must be an Indian resident.
  • Must have completed secondary school in India
  • Must have been accepted in one of the Cornell University’s UG Program.
  • Should be eligible for a need-based scholarship.

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

The largest privately funded international scholarship program, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships sponsors several types of scholarships for UG and PG students. The three types of scholarships are as follows:

Eligibility

• Citizen of a country in which rotary clubs are present.
• Completed two years of college-level course-work or its equivalent.
• Initial application must be made through rotary clubs.

Other Scholarships available to undergraduate applicants are:

Scholarships for Postgraduate Indian Students in the US

As per its operation in more than 155 countries, the fulbright scholarships program supports cultural and academic exchange among foreign participants and the US. The list of awards for Indian nationals are as follows:

• Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
• Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program
• Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship
• Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program
• Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program for International Teachers
• Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program

Eligibility for the Scholarship:

• Indian Resident
• Outstanding academic or professional history
• English language proficiency
• Availability at USIEF office, Delhi for interview.
• Applicants for Fulbright are not allowed to apply for the green card.

Scopes of Architecture in USA: Jobs & Salaries

An architect has very wide options for career growth in the private sector and as well in the government sector. After completing this course, you can join government organizations like:

Other jobs in the USA are available in Public Sector Banks, Civil Service, State Public work departments, Municipalities, Defense and others. Most of the students get hired in private organizations such as:

Here’s the list of top job scopes available in the USA and their salary structures:

Mostly, architecture graduates mainly opt for Architect jobs, where job roles include the responsibilities such as design of construction, coordinating with construction processions, town planning, finalizing projects, construction of residential as well as a commercial building, etc. Apart from this, he or she can work as Civil Engineer, Land Developer and Structural Engineer also. Now that you know about Architecture in the USA and what the career & job scopes are, now you can constructively make up your mind for studying Architecture in the USA based upon the information provided above.