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MAJOR GUIDE
Best colleges for architecture. Cornell, Rice, Cooper Union, and 15+ accredited programs compared by studio culture, licensure path, and alumni network.
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY · 7.5% acceptance rate · Private
SAT: 1470-1560 · GPA: 4.07 · 15,740 undergrads
Rice University
Houston, TX · 8.7% acceptance rate · Private
SAT: 1490-1570 · GPA: 4.12 · 4,470 undergrads
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · 9.9% acceptance rate · Private
SAT: 1450-1540 · GPA: 3.87 · 21,000 undergrads
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA · 16.6% acceptance rate · Public
SAT: 1370-1510 · GPA: 4.32 · 17,500 undergrads
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI · 17.7% acceptance rate · Public
SAT: 1340-1530 · GPA: 3.9 · 32,600 undergrads
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · 11.3% acceptance rate · Private
SAT: 1490-1560 · GPA: 3.86 · 7,650 undergrads
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO · 12% acceptance rate · Private
SAT: 1500-1570 · GPA: 4.16 · 7,860 undergrads
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA · 16% acceptance rate · Public
SAT: 1390-1540 · GPA: 4.07 · 18,790 undergrads
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · 31% acceptance rate · Public
SAT: 1250-1470 · GPA: 3.8 · 40,000 undergrads
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA · 57% acceptance rate · Public
SAT: 1220-1400 · GPA: 4.04 · 29,000 undergrads
Licensed Architect
Urban Planner
Interior Designer
Landscape Architect
Construction Manager
A B.Arch is typically a 5-year accredited program. Some schools offer a 4-year pre-professional degree (BA/BS in Architecture) followed by a 2-3 year M.Arch. Both paths lead to licensure.
Written by AdmitPath team
Rankings based on IPEDS data, program reputation, and career outcome metrics. Last updated August 2026.
Use the Major Exploration Map worksheet to match your interests to the best programs.