How to Find the Best Architecture Schools
The decision to attend architecture school is not one that should be taken on lightly. Architectural education requires a full-time commitment of at least five years, perhaps longer. It is important to choose a school that will help you along your desired career path and meet your geographic needs, all without blowing your budget.
- Determine your budget for your college education. Explore loan options as well as grants and scholarships before you set the bottom line. Factor in help from parents. Establish a maximum amount you can spend on tuition, supplies, room and board.
- Consider whether geography makes a big difference for you. If you are willing to move anywhere, that will open up your options for architecture schools.
- Decide whether you would prefer to attain a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree, or pursue the different path of earning a typical four year undergraduate degree in any subject and then attending a Masters of Architecture program. Each school encourages a different approach, but you should make sure the schools you are considering are accredited, so that you can become a licensed architect someday.
- Study rankings of the best architecture schools in the country. Choose a few that are you are especially interested in, based on your personal goals, budget and other factors.
- Schedule brief visits to your top 3 schools. Talk with architecture program advisors and other students in the program to get a good feel of the school.
- Submit your application, and then the waiting begins.