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Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,355/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Medium (17,100 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 17 Landscape Architecture programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Landscape Architecture graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $599K $589K $545K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.3x 14.0x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.4x 5.3x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 74% 67% 51%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 57

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 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,400
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,093
16% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $53,355/yr, roughly in line with the $51,771 national median for Landscape Architecture. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 14.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Landscape Architecture career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $29,400 against $53,355/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #8 ranking among 17 Landscape Architecture programs places Iowa State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $53,355 to $62,093 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, 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
Landscape architects $79,660/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 17 schools offering Landscape Architecture →

Landscape Architecture at Other Schools

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College ($60,668) Ball State University ($59,972) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($58,331) University of Rhode Island ($57,920) University of Georgia ($54,777) Texas Tech University ($54,701) Texas A & M University-College Station ($54,214) University of Kentucky ($52,841)

Other Majors at Iowa State University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,913) Computer Engineering ($79,182) Computer Science ($78,517) Construction Engineering ($77,845) Chemical Engineering ($76,184) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($75,036) Industrial Engineering ($74,310) Mechanical Engineering ($72,900)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University?
At 58/100, Iowa State University's Landscape Architecture program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Landscape Architecture at Iowa State University?
The 44% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →