Architectural Engineering at Auburn University

Auburn, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
72 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
73
Optimistic
72
Base Case
69
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,115/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (28,800 openings/yr)
ROI 17.2x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 12 Architectural Engineering programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Architectural Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $902K $863K $747K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.0x 17.2x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.4x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 50%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 72 69

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,144
Out-of-state: $135,776 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,588
-91% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,375
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,989
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,115 at Auburn University come in 7% above the national median of $72,121 for Architectural Engineering programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Architectural Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Architectural Engineering's typical career paths, with 47% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 17% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $77,115 far exceeding the $21,375 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #2 of 12 nationally, this is a top-5% Architectural Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $77,115 to $99,989 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Auburn University

A 50% admission rate makes Auburn University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 25,732 in Auburn, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Architectural Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at Auburn University

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Architectural Engineering at Auburn University?
This program scores 72/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Architectural Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Architectural Engineering careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $747,068 in decade earnings vs $901,671 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Auburn University's Architectural Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #2 of 12 programs nationally, Auburn University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →