Architecture In USA: Why Study Architecture In USA For International Students?

5 Best Architecture Universities In USA

The scope of architecture in USA is high. This is one of the reasons why most international students, after graduation, look for architect jobs in USA. But to do well career-wise, it is necessary first to develop the right knowledge and skills academic-wise as well. Thus to help you study at the best architecture universities in USA, we’ve shortlisted five such institutes which you should consider in 2022:

1. University of California, Berkeley
2. Columbia University
3. Cornell University
4. University of Michigan
5. University of Pennsylvania

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley has been a popular choice for decades amongst international students. The university offers a wide range of architecture programs for students to choose from.

Type	Public
QS World University Rankings 2023	27
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Architecture and Built Environment	8
Course Offered	BA Architecture, Master of Architecture (M Arch), Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD), Phd in Architecture
Course Duration	Bachelors- 4 years Masters- 2-3 years Phd- 3 years
Average Tuition Fees	Bachelors- 14,254 USD/year Masters and Phd- 5,850 USD/per semester
Location	Berkeley

Columbia University

Columbia University is another great educational institute to pursue architecture studies. They have a range of courses and specializations available for students to study. Apart from this, the educational facilities provided here are great.

Type	Private
QS World University Rankings 2023	22
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Architecture and Built Environment	16
Course Offered	BA in Architecture, Master of Architecture, Phd in Architecture
Course Duration	Bachelors- 4 years Masters- 3 years Phd- 5 years
Average Tuition Fees	Bachelors- Masters- 62,580 USD/year ( 31,290 USD/per term) Phd- 28,006 USD/per semester
Location	New York City

Cornell University

Cornell University has been a hit amongst international students since they offer a wide range of courses for them to choose from. The proof is the diverse architecture programs available to pursue a graduate degree for the same.

Type	Private
QS World University Rankings 2023	20
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Architecture and Built Environment	23
Course Offered	Bachelor of Architecture, Professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch.), Post-Professional Advanced Architectural Design (M.S. AAD), Phd in the History of Architecture and Urban Development
Course Duration	Bachelors- 5 years Masters- 3.5 years Phd- 4-5 years
Average Tuition Fees	Bachelors- 61,015 USD/year Masters- 58,586 USD/year Phd- 29,500 USD/year
Location	Ithaca

University of Michigan

University of Michigan is another prestigious university that offers a good range of architecture programs to choose from. Here the university is focused on helping students learn well in all aspects of architecture to prepare them better for the real world.

Type	Public
QS World University Rankings 2023	25
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Architecture and Built Environment	32
Course Offered	Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Master of Architecture (M Arch), Master of Science in Architecture Design and Research, Phd in Architecture
Course Duration	Bachelors- 4 years Masters- 3 years Phd- 5-6 years
Average Tuition Fees	Bachelors- 56,652 USD/year Masters- 50,979 USD/year Phd- 50,744 USD/year
Location	Ann Arbor

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania is also a great choice when considering th top universities to pursue architecture studies from. The course curriculum covers all aspects of the subjects helping students develop the knowledge and skills required to be better architects. 

Type	Private
QS World University Rankings 2023	13
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Architecture and Built Environment	40
Course Offered	Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (Design, Intensive Design, etc), Master of Architecture, Phd in Architecture
Course Duration	Bachelors- 4 years Masters- 3 years Phd- 4-5 years
Average Tuition Fees	Bachelors- 56,212 USD/year Masters- 56,558 USD/year Phd- 39,838 USD/year
Location	Philadelphia

Suggested: Use the Yocket Admit Predictor to know your admission rate at your dream university

Eligibility Criteria For Architecture Courses In USA

Your admission at architecture universities in USA for international students is determined whether you meet the set eligibility criterias here. These criterias differ based on the university chosen. However, there is a standard process followed by all:

1. Previous Academic Transcripts
2. English Language Proficiency Test
3. GRE Scores
4. Pre-requisite Courses
5. Studio Courses
6. Course Sequence

Previous Academic Transcripts

Based on the degree program you have chosen, you need to submit your academic transcripts accordingly. If you’re applying to an undergraduate program in architecture, your high school transcripts, along with a portfolio of your work, are required.

If you’re applying for the master's program in architecture, you require a bachelor’s degree. If you apply for the Phd program in architecture, you require a bachelor's and master's degree. Also, ensure that your GPA scores are 2.0 and above for undergraduate and 3.0 and above for graduate programs.

English Language Proficiency Test

International students are required to write and pass the English language proficiency test. Most students write clear TOEFL and IELTS exams. The score requirement is IELTS for undergraduates is 6.0 +, and for graduates is 7+. TOEFL minimum is 100 or higher for all.

Suggested: Which should you write, TOEFL or IELTS?

GRE Scores

Most architecture colleges in USA enquire about the GRE scores. However, a few universities don’t require the same as they consider other factors during the admission process, such as academic performance, etc. Ensure you check the university's official website to learn about the same.

Pre-requisite Courses

In a few USA universities, learning pre-requisite courses is required. The top courses are calculus, physics, etc.

Studio Courses

It is also better if students complete studio courses. This helps them in the design category as it will give them a better understanding since design plays a vital role in the learning aspects of architecture. The top courses you can study are drawing, fashion designing, etc.

Course Sequence

A few universities also expect students to complete a three-point course sequence in a few subjects such as theory or history, etc.

Admission Process At Architecture Colleges In USA

Once you meet all the eligibility criterias for the best architecture colleges in USA, you need to move forward with the admission process. Here is an overview for the same:

• Identify which USA university offers architecture courses in USA
• Once selected, visit the selected university’s official website to understand all the entry requirements
• Write and clear any US specified entrance exams if listed in the entry requirements
• Pay the application fee and complete your online application form
• Submit all relevant documents required before the application deadline
• Attend any interview if an invite has been sent by the university
• Once accepted, apply for USA student visa and arrange for sufficient funds

Documents Required To Study Architecture In USA

To successfully meet the architecture colleges in USA requirements, a set of USA universities based supporting documents are required based on the degree you choose. Below we have listed the complete details required if you pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree program to study architecture in USA:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Proof of student visa
• Basic course by course evaluation from World education services or education perspectives
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores
• GRE Scores Proof
• Financial Statement
• Payment of Application Fee (155 USD)
• Statement of Purpose
• All Official Transcripts
• Resume/CV
• Proof of Student health insurance
• Portfolio of any Creative work done previously

Cost Of Studying Architecture In USA

When you apply to the best universities for architecture studies in USA, having an understanding about the cost matters. There are two factors that impact the costs of studying architecture in USA, tuition fees and cost of living.

Let’s learn more about them below:

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees to study architecture in USA varies based on the degree program chosen. Here is an overview of the architecture in USA tuition fees based on the degree offered:

Bachelors	14,254 USD/year- 56,652 USD/year
Masters	35,100 USD/year- 58,586 USD/year
Phd	29,500 USD/year- 50,744 USD/year

Suggested: Total cost of studying in USA for Indian students

Cost of Living

The cost of living in USA ranges from 10,000 USD-20,000 USD a year. Most of these expenses are rent from the accommodation, groceries, transport, miscellaneous expenses, etc. However, the one core factor that can impact your living expenses is the lifestyle choices you make.

Suggested: Total cost of living in USA for Indian students in 2022

Scholarship Opportunities To Study Architecture In USA For International Students

Graduating from a prestigious university will guarantee good architect jobs in USA. Thus studying at the best architecture universities in USA is no longer a costly affair. With the help of scholarships, students receive either full or partial funding, which can be used to cover most of their expenses such as travel, living, etc. These scholarships can be undergraduate scholarships in USA, government-funded scholarships, etc. 

Here is a list of scholarships available to study architecture in USA:

Scholarship Name	Benefit/Covers/Amount/Grant
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation	Pursue full-time Masters program in USA in any discipline   Up to 100,000 USD
ProNet David W. Lakamp Scholarship	Studying architecture studies at the Americal Insitute of Architects   5000 USD
Global Study Awards	Enrolled in a PG program in USA and do well in IELTS exam   Offers 50% loan and grant to cover tuition, living and travel expenses
Academic Excellence Awards	Pursue any degree and are academically smart but have financial needs   500- 1000 USD for up to 3 years
Brokerfish International Student Scholarship	Pursue a degree in USA from a widely recognized university 1000 USD

Suggested: Access more scholarships for international students who wish to study abroad

Career Opportunities After Pursuing Architecture Courses In USA

The great part after graduating from the best architecture colleges in USA is the job opportunities and salary figures. Based on your academic qualifications, skills developed, and work experience (internship in USA included), a student’s salary figure will vary accordingly. Luckily, since USA is the hub for multiple memorable architectural figures, as an international student, you can expect better pay.

Thus here is an overview of the architecture jobs in USA for Indian students and the salary expectations:

Job Profile	Average Annual Salary
Intern Architect	46,936 USD
Interior Designer	58,150 USD
Senior Project Architect	97,321 USD
Architectural Associate	50,913 USD
Assistant Professor (Higher secondary)	71,008 USD

Suggested: View blogs on career opportunities in USA

Wrapping Up….

USA has been well recognized when it comes to offering the best educational facilities for any courses an international student enrolls for. The decision to study architecture in USA for international students gives them a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge that will enhance their academic knowledge and skill development better. So, if you’re keen to study at the top architecture colleges in USA, speak to our Yocket counsellors today as they can help you select the right institute catered for your needs.