Master’s in Architecture in the USA in 2025-26: Universities, Fees, Scholarships, and Jobs

Nisha Menon

6 min read

Updated On Aug 26, 2025

Master’s in Architecture in the USA in 2025-26: Universities, Fees, Scholarships, and Jobs

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Top Universities for Master's in Architecture in the USA
Affordable Universities for Master's in Architecture in the USA
Top Reasons for Studying a Master’s in Architecture in the USA
Various Types of Master’s in Architecture in the USA
Admissions Requirements for Masters in Architecture in the USA
Costs of Studying for a Master’s Degree in Architecture in the USA
Masters in Architecture in the USA: Scholarships
Jobs After Masters in Architecture in the USA
Navigate your Architectural Journey with GetGIS

Master’s in Architecture in the USA in 2025-26 opens doors to some of the world’s top-ranked design schools like MIT, Harvard, and Columbia. The US architecture sector is projected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, creating strong demand for skilled professionals.

International students benefit from exposure to cutting-edge technology, sustainable design practices, and global networking opportunities. Tuition fees usually range between USD 20,000 and USD 70,000 per year, with scholarships and assistantships easing costs for many. To help you explore programs, universities, and career opportunities, this blog walks you through everything you need to know.

Top Universities for Master's in Architecture in the USA

Our curated list reveals the top universities for a Master's in Architecture in the USA. Dive into the table below to explore these academic powerhouses and find the perfect fit for your architectural aspirations.

University	QS World University Rankings for Architecture 2025	Program	Annual Tuition Fee
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	2	M.Sc. Architecture Studies - Design	30,995
Harvard University	6	Master of Architecture	59,488
University of California, Berkeley	10	Master of Architecture	21,181
Columbia University	16	Master of Architecture	77,938
Cornell University	19	M.Sc. Advanced Architectural Design	68,380
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	27	Master of Architecture	31,949
Yale University	32	Master of Architecture	60,214
University of Pennsylvania	39	Master of Architecture	61,020
Princeton University	40	Master of Architecture	59,710

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About Intakes in USA

Affordable Universities for Master's in Architecture in the USA

Here are some of the most affordable universities in the USA for a Master’s in Architecture.

University	Average Annual Tuition Fee (USD)	Average Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
University of Texas at Austin	19,286	16,92,018
University of Washington	19,044	16,70,787
University of Houston	17,048	14,95,672
Georgia Tech	16,565	14,53,297
University of Minnesota	15,606	13,69,161
The University of Iowa	15,299	13,42,227
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	14,807	12,99,062
California Polytechnic State University	13,638	11,96,502
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte	11,536	10,12,087
The City University of New York	11,340	99,4892

Quick Read: MS Courses in the USA 2025: Popular Courses, Universities, Fees, and More

Top Reasons for Studying a Master’s in Architecture in the USA

Find below the reasons to pursue a Master's in Architecture in the USA. The country offers unique opportunities, cutting-edge programs, and vibrant architectural culture that make studying in the USA an enriching experience for aspiring architects.

Individuals with a BArch degree earn an average annual salary package of USD 56,900, while those with an MArch degree receive a compensation of USD 110,000 per annum in the industry.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates an 8% increase in employment opportunities for architects from 2023 to 2033. This projection suggests around 8,500 job openings during this period.
Indian students applying to top US architectural schools, per QS-Ranked Universities, ensure superior employment opportunities. These schools, in the QS World University Rankings, hold a remarkable 100% reputation among academics and employers.

Various Types of Master’s in Architecture in the USA

In the USA, there are various types of Master's degrees available in architecture, each with its own focus and specialization. The following are some of the more common ones:

Master of Architecture (M.Arch): It is a professional degree that prepares students for licensure as an architect. The M.Arch typically requires five years of study, including a four-year UG degree in architecture and one year of graduate study.
Master of Science in Architecture (M.Sc.): This degree is typically focused on research and scholarship in architecture. The M.Sc. program takes two years full-time to complete.
Master of Arts in Architecture (M.A.): This degree focuses on the humanities and social sciences aspects of architecture. The M.A. program usually takes two years to complete full-time.
Master of Fine Arts in Architecture (M.F.A.): Focuses on the creative aspects of architecture.
Master of Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.): Focuses on the design of outdoor spaces.
Master of Urban Design (M.U.D.): Focuses on the planning and design of cities and towns.

Must Read: Fall Intake in the USA 2025

Admissions Requirements for Masters in Architecture in the USA

Here are the admission requirements and document checklist for pursuing a master’s in Architecture. Let’s dive in and understand them in-depth.

Bachelor's Degree: Hold a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) with a grade of B- or higher
GPA Requirement: Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
Studio Course: Possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a 3A studio course in areas such as freehand drawing, sketching, painting, sculpture, or basic architectural design.
Credit Hours: Have completed a minimum of 45 credit hours of studies in the arts, humanities, and/or science.
Course Requirements: Have taken at least one college-level course in each of the following areas: Newtonian physics, mathematics, and a university survey of the history of architecture.

Document Checklist

To join an architecture college in the USA, there is a set of supporting documents that need to be enclosed along with the application. Here is a checklist.

Three recommendation letters
Valid student visa documentation
Standard course-by-course evaluation from recognized services like World Education Services or Education Perspectives
Scores from an English Language Proficiency Test
Evidence of GRE scores
Financial statement
Application fee payment receipt
Personal statement
All official transcripts
Updated resume
Proof of student health insurance
Portfolio showcasing previous creative work

Explore: Top Universities in USA for MS in 2025

Costs of Studying for a Master’s Degree in Architecture in the USA

Pursuing a Master of Architecture (M. Arch) degree in the United States comes with significant expenses. In addition to tuition fees, the cost of living in the USA adds another layer of financial consideration.

Examining these expenses closely, one can anticipate various costs.

Expense Type	Average Annual Cost (USD)
Health Insurance	1,500 - 2,000
Studio Supplies & Materials	1,000-2,000
Books & Materials	800 - 1,200
Architecture Supplies	1,000 - 2,000
Software Licenses	300 - 500
Travel (Study Tours/Visits)	500 - 1,000

Check Out: Cost of Study in USA for Indian Students in 2026

Masters in Architecture in the USA: Scholarships

Below is a table that provides a comprehensive overview of available scholarships, offering opportunities for aspiring architects to pursue their academic and professional goals with financial assistance.

Scholarship	Benefits Offered
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship	Provides coverage for tuition, monthly stipend, and international travel expenses
Aga Khan Foundation Grants	Offers partial tuition to a limited number of eligible students
AAUW International Fellowships	For women architects seeking graduate-level education in the USA
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation	Covers tuition fees along with living expenses for specific approved programs

Suggested Reading: Scholarship for Indian Students in USA

Jobs After Masters in Architecture in the USA

A Master's in Architecture in the USA opens doors to a variety of job opportunities, including roles in architectural design firms, urban planning agencies, construction management, and more. Here are a few in-demand jobs and their salary.

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (USD)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Architectural Designer	55,757	48,91,728
Project Architect	73,072	64,10,825
Design Architect	63,241	55,48,322
Project Manager	78,189	68,59,755
Intern Architect	48,786	42,80,142

Top Recruiters for Architecture Graduates in the USA

Here is a list of the top companies recruiting Architecture graduates in the USA.

Recruiters	Annual Salary Package (USD)	Annual Salary Package (INR)
NVIDIA	147,786	1,29,65,709
Fidelity Investments	145,384	1,27,54,974
Jamy Interactive	145,289	1,27,46,639
SAP	143,375	1,25,78,718
Spectrum	143,241	1,25,66,962

Also Read: Top 20 Highest Paying Part-time Jobs in the USA for Students

Navigate your Architectural Journey with GetGIS

In conclusion, selecting the right university is crucial for a successful Master's in Architecture in the USA. The landscape of higher education continually evolves, and in 2024, the best universities for pursuing this degree promise a wealth of opportunities.

To ensure a seamless transition and optimal experience, consider leveraging the expertise of GetGIS, a trusted platform offering study abroad services. Our comprehensive assistance, combined with personalized guidance, can empower aspiring architects to make informed decisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What branch of architecture pays the most?

While salary ranges can vary depending on experience, location, and specific skills, certain branches of architecture tend to command higher salaries on average such as:

- Healthcare Architecture
- Sustainable Architecture
- Technology Architecture
- Urban Design
- Naval Architecture

Do architects travel a lot?

Yes, Traveling serves as a lifelong adventure that nourishes the creative wellspring of an architect, exposing them to a vibrant tapestry of cultures, climates, materials, and spatial solutions.

Can foreign architects work in the USA?

The central requirement for foreign architects to work in the US is obtaining a US architectural license. To be eligible for licensure, foreign architects must demonstrate equivalent education, and experience, and pass the same exams as their US counterparts.

Do architects get h1b visas?

Architects are eligible for H-1B visas under job titles such as Intern Architect, Job Captain, and Architectural Designer. Licensed architects must provide a copy of their license, while unlicensed architects should include a copy of the principal's license when filing for the H-1B visa.

Which countries have a shortage of architects?

Several nations are currently experiencing a shortage of architects, making it a high-demand profession. Among these countries are the United States of America, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, and the United Kingdom.