Top 15 Architecture Schools In California And Fees (2025)
California, known for its iconic skylines, innovative architecture, and sustainability-driven design culture, is home to some of the best architecture schools in the United States. Whether you dream of designing futuristic skyscrapers in Los Angeles or eco-friendly homes in San Francisco, California offers world-class architecture programs that combine creativity, technology, and hands-on learning.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 15 architecture schools in California, including their key features, degree programs, and estimated tuition fees.
Top 15 Architecture Schools In California And Fees
1. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Location: Berkeley, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $15,000 (in-state), $47,000 (out-of-state)
UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design (CED) is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious architecture schools in the country. The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture program emphasizes critical thinking, sustainability, and design innovation. Graduate programs like the Master of Architecture (M.Arch) and Ph.D. in Architecture attract global recognition for their focus on urbanism and green building technologies.
Students gain exposure to cutting-edge labs, workshops, and real-world projects across California’s diverse urban landscapes. Berkeley’s architecture alumni often secure top roles in global firms and academia, making this school an excellent choice for ambitious designers.
2. University of Southern California (USC)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $66,000
The USC School of Architecture blends modern design philosophy with classical principles. Located in the heart of Los Angeles—a city rich in architectural diversity—students benefit from strong professional networks and hands-on project experience.
The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs emphasizing design excellence, digital fabrication, and sustainability. USC’s facilities include state-of-the-art studios, fabrication labs, and a vibrant design community. Graduates are highly sought after by global architectural firms, making it a leading destination for future architects.
3. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly)
Location: San Luis Obispo, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $11,000 (in-state), $27,000 (out-of-state)
Cal Poly’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) is known for its “Learn by Doing” philosophy. The Bachelor of Architecture program integrates real-world design projects with technical training, preparing students to solve modern architectural challenges.
With strong industry partnerships and a focus on hands-on learning, Cal Poly graduates consistently perform well on the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). It’s one of the most affordable and reputable architecture programs in the western United States.
4. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $14,000 (in-state), $44,000 (out-of-state)
UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Urban Design (AUD) offers highly respected programs that merge creativity, technology, and social responsibility. Its M.Arch program is especially popular among international students seeking exposure to Los Angeles’ innovative design culture.
Students benefit from digital design labs, fabrication workshops, and mentorship from world-renowned faculty. UCLA graduates often work at major design studios and research institutions worldwide.
5. Woodbury University
Location: Burbank and San Diego, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $45,000
Woodbury University’s School of Architecture focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. The B.Arch and M.Arch programs emphasize sustainable urbanism and digital design technologies.
Students participate in studio-based learning, community projects, and international workshops. With campuses in Burbank and San Diego, Woodbury offers diverse architectural exposure and networking opportunities within Southern California’s creative industries.
6. Academy of Art University
Location: San Francisco, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $33,000
As one of the largest private art and design schools in the U.S., the Academy of Art University provides flexible architecture degrees that combine creativity with practical experience.
The Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture programs are accredited by the NAAB, emphasizing digital tools, structural systems, and sustainable design. Students gain experience through real-world design studios and urban development projects in San Francisco.
7. Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $49,000
SCI-Arc is globally recognized for its experimental and avant-garde approach to architecture education. The school encourages radical design thinking, digital experimentation, and creative problem-solving.
Programs include the B.Arch, M.Arch, and postgraduate design research degrees. Students engage with Los Angeles’ architecture scene through exhibitions, design studios, and workshops. SCI-Arc graduates are known for pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation worldwide.
8. California College of the Arts (CCA)
Location: San Francisco, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $55,000
CCA’s School of Architecture emphasizes sustainable design and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture programs promote ecological responsibility and urban regeneration.
Students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on studio work, and partnerships with local design firms. CCA’s location in San Francisco allows students to engage with one of the most dynamic architectural communities in the U.S.
9. NewSchool of Architecture & Design
Location: San Diego, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $30,000
NewSchool is known for its career-focused programs and innovative teaching methods. The B.Arch and M.Arch degrees focus on sustainable design, building science, and global practice.
Students enjoy personalized mentorship and access to modern design labs. The school’s strong ties with the architecture industry in Southern California provide valuable internship and employment opportunities.
10. Otis College of Art and Design
Location: Los Angeles, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $52,000
Otis College offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture/Landscape/Interiors that merges architectural design with spatial creativity. Students learn to approach design holistically—integrating architecture, landscape, and interiors into unified concepts.
Located in Los Angeles, Otis provides exposure to innovative design projects and strong connections to the city’s creative industries. Graduates often work in architecture, interior design, and urban planning sectors.
11. University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Location: Davis, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $15,000 (in-state), $47,000 (out-of-state)
UC Davis offers a Design major with a concentration in architecture and environmental design. The program emphasizes sustainable architecture, human-centered design, and environmental planning.
Students participate in field research and interdisciplinary projects that address modern challenges like climate change and urban resilience. UC Davis provides a strong foundation for those planning to pursue graduate architecture degrees later.
12. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona)
Location: Pomona, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $11,000 (in-state), $26,000 (out-of-state)
Cal Poly Pomona’s Department of Architecture is part of its College of Environmental Design. The five-year Bachelor of Architecture program prepares students for professional licensure with a balance of theory, design, and practice.
Students engage in collaborative studios, fieldwork, and design-build projects. The school’s commitment to diversity and social engagement makes it a top choice for aspiring architects in Southern California.
13. University of San Diego (USD)
Location: San Diego, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $55,000
The University of San Diego offers a unique architecture minor within its Architecture and Design Studies program. While not a full professional architecture degree, USD provides strong training in architectural theory, sustainable design, and digital modeling.
Students often combine the program with engineering or environmental studies, making it ideal for those interested in design-related careers or graduate architecture school pathways.
14. San Jose State University (SJSU)
Location: San Jose, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $8,000 (in-state), $19,000 (out-of-state)
SJSU’s Department of Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture with a strong focus on spatial design and sustainability. The program prepares students to work in architecture, interior design, and construction-related fields.
Located in Silicon Valley, SJSU provides opportunities to collaborate with top tech companies on innovative design solutions. The affordable tuition makes it one of the most cost-effective architecture-related programs in California.
15. University of San Francisco (USF)
Location: San Francisco, California
Estimated Annual Tuition: $58,000
The University of San Francisco offers an Architecture and Community Design program focusing on urban design, sustainability, and social justice. Students work on real-life projects that address housing, public spaces, and ecological design.
USF emphasizes community engagement and hands-on experience through internships and design studios in San Francisco. The program prepares graduates for roles in architecture, urban planning, and environmental design.
How to Choose the Right Architecture School in California
When selecting an architecture school, consider these important factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
- Learning Approach: Look for schools with design studios, practical experience, and digital fabrication labs.
- Tuition and Scholarships: Compare tuition rates and explore scholarship options.
- Location: Choose a city that aligns with your design interests—Los Angeles for modernism, San Francisco for sustainability, etc.
- Career Opportunities: Select schools with strong internship programs and alumni networks.
Career Prospects for Architecture Graduates in California
California offers a thriving architecture industry fueled by innovation, sustainability, and rapid urban growth. Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Architect or Urban Designer
- Landscape Architect
- Interior Designer
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialist
- Sustainable Design Consultant
- Construction Project Manager
With the state’s emphasis on green buildings and technology-driven design, job opportunities in California’s architectural sector remain strong.
Conclusion
From the innovation hubs of Los Angeles to the eco-conscious streets of San Francisco, California stands at the forefront of architectural education and practice. Whether you’re seeking hands-on learning at Cal Poly, experimental design at SCI-Arc, or sustainable design at UC Berkeley, there’s a program perfectly suited to your creative vision.
Choosing one of these top 15 architecture schools in California not only equips you with world-class design skills but also opens doors to a fulfilling career shaping the future of our built environment.