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Engineering · Architectural Engineering Rank #9 of 12

Architectural Engineeringat University of Kansas

Graduates earn $76,353/yr in their first year — about 6.0% above the national Architectural Engineering average. Base-case 10-year earnings $746K; scenarios range from $660K to $773K depending on AI disruption.

Lawrence, KS Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
58 SOLID
60
Optimistic
56
Pessimistic
Earnings
$76,353
1-year post-graduation
ROI
15.3x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$746K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
52% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas's Architectural Engineering program offers a distinct path in a specialized field, one of only a handful nationally. This niche focus means you're developing highly sought-after expertise, integrating structural, mechanical, and electrical systems within building design. Your skills will be directly applicable to architecture firms, large construction companies, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) consulting groups, many of which actively recruit from programs like KU's across the Midwest and beyond. Graduates are well-prepared for roles that bridge the gap between aesthetic vision and structural integrity.

While the field faces high AI risk, this isn't necessarily a deterrent; it highlights the critical need for professionals who can leverage advanced design software and data analytics to optimize building performance and sustainability. Your career will involve complex problem-solving, often collaborating closely with architects and other engineers on major projects. To thrive, focus heavily on mastering cutting-edge design and analysis software, and seek internships that expose you to the latest AI-driven tools in the industry.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$660K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score56/100
Earnings Multiple14.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$746K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score58/100
Earnings Multiple15.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$773K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score60/100
Earnings Multiple16.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Kansas's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Architectural Engineering graduates typically work

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.

1
Architectural and engineering managers
+3.8% 10-yr growth · 14,500 openings/yr
$167,740/yr
Moderate
2
Engineers, all other
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 9,300 openings/yr
$117,750/yr
Moderate
3
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
+8.1% 10-yr growth · 4,100 openings/yr
$106,120/yr
High
4
Architecture teachers, postsecondary
+2.0% 10-yr growth · 900 openings/yr
$101,480/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Architectural Engineering

How University of Kansas stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
CA · Public
73
DW Score
$80K
1-yr earn
20.9x
ROI
Auburn University
AL · Public
72
DW Score
$77K
1-yr earn
18.9x
ROI
Drexel University
PA · Private nonprofit
56
DW Score
$76K
1-yr earn
2.8x
ROI
Same state (KS)
Kansas State University
KS · Public
70
DW Score
$74K
1-yr earn
19.1x
ROI
The University of Texas at Austin
TX · Public
72
DW Score
$74K
1-yr earn
20.6x
ROI
Also at University of Kansas

Other top programs at University of Kansas

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Kansas, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

FAQ

Frequently asked about Architectural Engineering at University of Kansas

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Architectural Engineering at University of Kansas?

At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Architectural Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.

Should I worry about AI if I study Architectural Engineering at University of Kansas?

The 47% 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.