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Architectural Sciences and Technology at Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,514/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Medium (25,400 openings/yr)

ROI 2.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #24 of 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$540K	$535K	$501K
Earnings Multiple	2.1x	2.1x	2.0x
Probability of Field Employment	74%	66%	49%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	38	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$255,316

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$126,684

50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$29,000

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,514 track close to the $50,058 national median for Architectural Sciences and Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The financial case is thin at 2.1x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Architectural Sciences and Technology's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $29,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $48,514 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #24 of 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs, Carnegie Mellon University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University admits 11% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 7,187 students in Pittsburgh, PA. The average net cost of $126,684 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Carnegie Mellon University →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Architecture teachers, postsecondary $101,480/yr

Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Architectural Sciences and Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Carnegie Mellon University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Architectural Sciences and Technology at Carnegie Mellon University?

A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Architectural Sciences and Technology. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Architectural Sciences and Technology careers?

With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $501,198 in decade earnings vs $539,632 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Carnegie Mellon University a hidden gem for Architectural Sciences and Technology?

After financial aid, the average student pays $126,684 over four years — 50% below the $255,316 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →