Architectural Sciences and Technology at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,928/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,400 openings/yr)
ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 28 Architectural Sciences and Technology programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

While the numbers look strong, your career trajectory from Iowa State depends on understanding the regional market. This isn't just a design degree; the "Sciences and Technology" focus means you'll graduate with a practical, highly-marketable skillset in areas like building information modeling (BIM) and sustainable systems. Major architecture and engineering firms across the Midwest, from Des Moines to Omaha and Kansas City, recruit heavily from ISU precisely for these technical skills. You're not just a drafter; you're a problem-solver ready for complex projects. Given the high AI risk for drafting tasks, your key to long-term success is to actively seek out internships that push you beyond basic software use and into project management and client-facing roles. This real-world experience will build the strategic skills that automation can't replicate.

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 $619K $606K $554K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.8x 14.4x 13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.5x 5.0x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (5.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

About Iowa State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Iowa State University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 25,033 in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State 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 Iowa State 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 Iowa State University?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Architectural Sciences and Technology field.
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 $554,411 in decade earnings vs $619,433 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Iowa State University's Architectural Sciences and Technology program stand out?
Ranked #4 of 28 programs nationally, Iowa State 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 →