Architectural Sciences and Technologyat Iowa State University
Graduates earn $57,928/yr in their first year — about 16.0% above the national Architectural Sciences and Technology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $606K; scenarios range from $554K to $619K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Iowa State University
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Iowa State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Architectural Sciences and Technology
How Iowa State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Iowa State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Iowa State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Architectural Sciences and Technology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Architectural Sciences and Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Architectural Sciences and Technology at Iowa State University
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.