10 Easiest Architecture Degree Programs for 2025
Architecture is a complicated subject of study, but some degree programs are easier than others. Learn more about the easiest architecture degree programs.
The work done by architects is a blend of science, art, math, and design.
This type of work might seem complicated and hard, but earning a degree in this field doesn't have to be.
Many schools offer architecture degree programs, so it's important to know the best and easiest architecture degree programs to apply for.
What makes an architecture degree easy can be interpreted in a few different ways, especially when many programs will have very similar core curriculums.
One of the biggest factors, especially in the modern education climate, is whether a degree can be earned online.
For most students, this will be the biggest factor that changes difficulty.
Other factors that change the difficulty of a class include:
- Weekly Course Work
- University Acceptance Rate
- Degree Level (Associate, Bachelor, Master's, or Doctorate)
- Type of Architecture being studied (Landscaping, building, drafting, etc.)
Easiest Architecture Degrees Programs
These degree programs were selected due to:
- High acceptance rates
- The availability of online course options
- Overall graduation rates
Even though these might be easier compared to other architecture degree programs, this is a hard subject to study due to factors like intense coursework, internship requirements, and more.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) has a 90% acceptance rate, making it one of the easier programs to enroll in.
ASU also offers three types of Architecture programs:
- Bachelor's degrees
- Master's degrees
- A minor
To graduate with a Bachelor's degree from ASU in architecture, you'll need to complete 120 credit hours with at least a C letter grade in every class.
Arizona State University also offers online classes.
2. California State University-Fresno
Beyond their 95% acceptance rate, California State University-Fresno also has a lower-than-average tuition rate compared to other colleges in California and the National average.
CSU-Fresno offers limited online classwork, meaning that you'll need to be on campus for most of your credit hours.
3. California Baptist University
California Baptist University (CBU) offers both bachelor's and master's level degree programs in architecture, with concentrations like:
- Construction Management
- Religion & Built Environment
- Human Factors in Design
- Architectural Representation
California Baptist University has an 80% acceptance rate, and its other concentrations give good opportunities to students who are looking for specific types of architectural work after graduation, such as designing churches.
4. SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture)
The Southern California Institute of Architecture, also called SCI-Arc, is a dedicated university that only offers degrees in architecture at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
This school has a 65% acceptance rate, which is more competitive than some of the other schools on this list.
SCI-Arc takes a more experimental approach to architecture than other schools, which could make the coursework easier or harder for students based on their personal preferences.
5. Boston Architectural College
Like SCI-Arc, Boston Architectural College is a focused college as opposed to a degree program offered within a larger university.
The school has a very high acceptance rate, nearly 100%, but it also exceeds the average tuition with 93% of students receiving some kind of financial aid.
6. Academy of Art University
One of the top art and design schools in the nation, the Academy of Art University has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This lower ratio helps students get more one-on-one time with teachers, which can help make learning easier.
7. University of Arkansas (Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design)
The University of Arkansas architecture program is called the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.
With multiple concentrations (such as Interior Architecture and Design) and study abroad programs, students at this school will have a lot of opportunities to study the types of architecture they are most interested in.
The University of Arkansas also offers multiple opportunities for financial aid, which can reduce the burden of tuition costs for many students.
8. Auburn University
Auburn University has been ranked in the top 20 for Architecture programs in The United States for almost a decade straight.
Auburn offers a wide variety of classes and concentrations in one of the highest-regarded programs in the country.
Auburn also has a higher-than-average acceptance rate with financial aid offerings that make it an easier degree to earn for students.
9. University of Idaho
The University of Idaho has an 81% acceptance rate and offers National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)--accredited programs at both the bachelor's and master's levels.
The University of Idaho also has multiple campuses giving students the choice to learn in the environment best suited for them.
10. Wentworth Institute of Technology
Located in Boston, the Wentworth Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 90% and an impressive 98% hiring rate within 6 months of graduation.
This program's location in Boston also provides students with many chances for fellowships and internships within a short distance of their school.
How Much Does an Architecture Degree Cost?
Many factors change tuition rates from school to school.
For most students, though, tuition will be anywhere from $11,000 to $40,000.
Factors that will alter costs include:
- Private vs Public College
- Online vs Onsite
- In-State or Out of State Status
Most schools have tuition information on their website, so researching costs and financial aid opportunities before application is easier than ever.
Can I Earn My Architecture Degree Online?
Some schools do offer online classes, but many of the top-rated programs require at least partial in-campus learning.
If you're looking into an online degree, confirm that your school is National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-accredited, or you might run into problems when pursuing your license.
What Is the Typical Course Load for an Architecture Degree?
Nearly all architecture programs will have about 120 credit hours for the completed program.
Although it isn't a 'set in stone' rule, 1 credit hour is roughly equal to 1 hour of class work.
What doesn't come into this equation, though, is the amount of homework and other outside projects that will factor into a semester.
How To Get into an Architecture Program
Getting into an architecture program is as easy as applying to a college and meeting their requirements.
Architecture programs have varying acceptance rates, but many programs have acceptance rates over 80% and lower application fees than larger universities.
Start Your Architecture Degree Today
To learn more about architecture degree programs at the universities on this list, and many others, start with the Learn database.
We've put together thousands of articles and other resources to give students information on colleges and degree programs across North America.
Start your higher education journey today with Learn.org.