Top 15 Architecture Schools In Boston And Fees (2025)
Boston, Massachusetts, is a city that blends history, innovation, and cutting-edge design. From its colonial brick structures to its sleek modern skyscrapers, Boston’s architectural diversity makes it one of the best places in the United States to study architecture. The city is home to several prestigious universities and specialized architecture schools that attract creative minds from around the world.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 15 architecture schools in Boston and their fees, helping aspiring architects make informed decisions about where to begin their journey.
Top 15 Architecture Schools in Boston and Their Fees
1. Harvard University – Graduate School of Design (GSD)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Tuition: Around $15,386 per year (after average aid)
Harvard’s Graduate School of Design is one of the most respected architecture institutions in the world. Its curriculum blends creative design with technology, research, and urban innovation. Students have access to cutting-edge labs, design studios, and some of the world’s best professors in the field.
The GSD emphasizes both theory and practical design experience. Graduates from Harvard often work at leading architecture firms globally or establish their own design practices. Although tuition is high before aid, Harvard’s generous financial support makes it surprisingly affordable for qualifying students.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – School of Architecture and Planning
Location: Cambridge, MA
Tuition: Approximately $64,310 per year
MIT’s architecture program is globally recognized for its focus on research, technology, and sustainability. As one of the first architecture schools in the U.S., MIT combines traditional design education with future-focused innovation, including AI in architecture, computational design, and robotics.
Students benefit from small class sizes and state-of-the-art resources. The school’s emphasis on experimentation prepares graduates for both traditional practice and cutting-edge research careers.
3. Boston Architectural College (BAC)
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: $27,470 per year (undergraduate) / $26,220 (graduate)
BAC is Boston’s only independent college dedicated solely to architecture and design. Known for its flexible learning structure and hands-on training, the college allows students to work in design firms while studying, giving them professional experience before graduation.
The school offers accredited bachelor’s and master’s programs in architecture, interior architecture, and design studies. Its central location in Boston’s Back Bay area makes it ideal for architecture enthusiasts who want to learn in an urban environment.
4. Northeastern University – College of Arts, Media, and Design
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: Around $17,692 per year (after aid)
Northeastern’s architecture program stands out because of its co-op model, which allows students to alternate between academic study and full-time professional work. This approach builds experience and strong portfolios by the time of graduation.
The curriculum balances design theory, technology, and sustainability, preparing students to work in architectural firms, construction companies, or pursue graduate studies. Northeastern is ideal for students who value real-world application alongside classroom learning.
5. Boston University – College of Fine Arts
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: $69,870 per year
Boston University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, focusing on design history, urban theory, and art. While it doesn’t lead directly to licensure, it provides an excellent foundation for those planning to pursue a master’s degree in architecture later.
Students gain exposure to design software, sustainability, and creative design concepts, all within one of the nation’s most vibrant academic settings.
6. Wentworth Institute of Technology – School of Architecture and Design
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: Around $42,840 per year
Wentworth offers a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program and an integrated B.S./M.Arch pathway. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application and technical proficiency.
The school’s state-of-the-art facilities include fabrication labs, robotics studios, and collaborative spaces. Wentworth’s close ties to Boston’s design industry mean plenty of internship and employment opportunities.
7. Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt)
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: Approximately $35,000 to $46,000 per program
MassArt is a public college dedicated to the visual and applied arts. Its Master of Architecture (M.Arch) track focuses on design innovation, sustainability, and community engagement.
Students work on creative design projects, community architecture initiatives, and digital modeling, making MassArt perfect for students interested in architecture as both an art and a profession.
8. Suffolk University – School of Architecture
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: Around $38,448 per year
Suffolk’s architecture programs integrate liberal arts education with professional design training. The school’s central downtown Boston campus provides easy access to architectural landmarks and professional firms.
Students learn design fundamentals, sustainability, and construction technology while developing strong presentation and collaboration skills. Suffolk’s smaller class sizes allow for individualized mentorship.
9. University of Massachusetts Boston
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: Around $15,000 to $30,000 per year (varies by residency)
UMass Boston offers affordable architecture-related studies through its urban planning, environmental design, and architectural engineering programs. The university’s public status makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious students seeking quality education near the city center.
10. Emmanuel College
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: Approximately $14,400 per year
While Emmanuel is primarily a liberal arts college, its partnerships and interdisciplinary design courses provide a good foundation for students interested in architectural design, history, and urban studies.
Students can combine architecture-related studies with art, sustainability, or engineering minors to prepare for graduate architecture programs.
11. Cambridge College
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: Around $11,763 per year
Cambridge College offers flexible, affordable programs for students looking to explore architecture and design pathways. Its programs emphasize creativity, sustainable design, and professional readiness, often appealing to working professionals seeking part-time study.
12. Fisher College
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: $27,484 per year
Fisher offers programs in design and urban studies that complement architectural education. Its small community ensures individualized attention and mentoring. The college’s location in Boston provides opportunities for networking and exposure to local design practices.
13. Cambridge School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Location: Cambridge, MA
Tuition: Variable (contact school directly)**
This specialized institution focuses on sustainable architecture and landscape design. Students learn how environmental factors influence architectural planning, with a strong focus on ecological design and landscape integration.
14. New England Institute of Art
Location: Boston, MA
Tuition: Varies by program**
Although not a traditional architecture school, this institute provides design-related programs in interior architecture and digital design. It’s a good option for students who want to blend architecture with multimedia or creative arts.
15. University of Massachusetts Amherst – School of Architecture
Location: Amherst, MA (about 90 minutes from Boston)
Tuition: Around $32,341 per year
UMass Amherst offers a highly respected School of Architecture that provides both undergraduate and graduate pathways to licensure. Students benefit from cutting-edge design studios and research opportunities in sustainability, building technology, and community engagement.
Why Study Architecture in Boston?
Boston is more than just a historic American city—it’s a living architectural laboratory. Students studying architecture here are surrounded by real-world examples of urban planning, preservation, and modern innovation.
Here’s why Boston stands out as an architecture study destination:
- Architectural Diversity – From the Gothic spires of Trinity Church to the contemporary designs of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston offers endless inspiration for design students.
- Professional Opportunities – The city’s thriving construction and design industry provides internships, co-ops, and employment opportunities at top architectural firms.
- Rich Academic Ecosystem – Boston boasts multiple universities with world-class programs in architecture, design, and urban planning.
- Access to Global Networks – Many Boston institutions have strong alumni networks and international partnerships, helping students build global design careers.
What to Consider Before Choosing an Architecture School
Architecture is an intensive field that requires creativity, dedication, and technical skill. Before you choose a program, keep these factors in mind:
- Accreditation: To become a licensed architect in the U.S., you’ll need a degree from a NAAB-accredited program.
- Facilities: Look for schools with well-equipped studios, model shops, and fabrication labs.
- Internship Options: Schools with industry partnerships can give you a head start in gaining real-world experience.
- Tuition and Hidden Costs: Beyond tuition, consider expenses like materials, software, and studio fees.
- Location and Culture: Architecture students spend long hours in studio—so the environment and culture matter a lot.
Cost Comparison: Private vs. Public Architecture Schools in Boston
Boston’s architecture schools range from affordable public universities to elite private institutions.
- Public schools (like UMass and MassArt) typically charge between $15,000 and $35,000 per year, depending on residency.
- Private universities (like Harvard, MIT, or BU) can exceed $60,000 per year, though they often provide significant scholarships and aid.
- Specialized schools (like BAC or Wentworth) offer competitive tuition with hands-on experience, making them strong mid-range options.
Tips for Studying Architecture in Boston
- Budget Wisely – Boston has one of the highest living costs in the U.S. Always factor housing, food, and studio supplies into your budget.
- Apply for Scholarships – Many schools, including Harvard and BAC, offer merit-based and need-based aid.
- Explore Internships Early – Take advantage of Boston’s large number of design firms for part-time or summer positions.
- Network Actively – Attend architecture exhibitions, lectures, and tours across the city.
- Stay Updated on Accreditation – Ensure your chosen program remains NAAB-accredited if your goal is to become a licensed architect.
Conclusion
Studying architecture in Boston means learning in one of the world’s most inspiring cities for design and innovation. Whether you choose the global prestige of Harvard and MIT, the professional focus of Boston Architectural College, or the affordability of UMass Boston, each institution offers unique opportunities to develop as a creative professional.
As you decide, balance your ambitions with practical considerations like cost, accreditation, and studio culture. With the right choice, Boston can be the perfect place to shape your architectural future.