easiest architecture schools to get into
Getting into top architecture programs at prestigious universities like MIT, Harvard, and Columbia is intensely competitive, with some schools accepting fewer than 5% of applicants. However, there are still quality architecture schools across the country with less daunting admission stats that provide excellent B.Arch and M.Arch programs, hands-on studios, and strong career outcomes for graduates. Here, we explore 10 of the easiest architecture schools to get into based on high acceptance rates while maintaining rigorous curricula.
Norwich University
Located in pastoral Vermont, Norwich balances its 82% acceptance rate with a challenging, comprehensive architecture curriculum across Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture offerings. Students benefit from the university‘s focus on experiential learning in state-of-the-art facilities plus abundant access to nature for inspiration.
Lawrence Technological University
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture program at this Detroit suburb university admits over 80% of applicants while upholding high academic expectations. Lawrence Tech emphasizes practical experience via studios, simulations, and optional co-op programs to ready students for licensure exams and careers in the field.
California Baptist University
California Baptist maintains competitive tuition rates along with an approx. 80% architecture program acceptance rate. Students drawn to the Southern California region can access Los Angeles and San Diego‘s architecture/design culture and internship opportunities to complement CBU‘s theory-to-practice course sequencing.
NewSchool of Architecture and Design
Located in vibrant San Diego, NewSchool offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education program options under a holistic admissions approach focused less on test scores/GPAs and more on student potential. Diversity is essential to the school, and nearly 70% of students in 2022 identified as non-white.
University of Oklahoma
The 73% acceptance rate architecture school at OU provides in-state students especially affordable access to Tulsa and Oklahoma City‘s burgeoning design communities. Strong faculty guidance, study abroad options, and access to dedicated studio space cement OU‘s status as one of Oklahoma‘s premier launch pads for aspiring architects.
Kent State University
Kent State has expanded architecture degree options recently to include Master and PhD programs catering to niche focuses like healthcare facility design or urbanism. The 87% acceptance rate allows motivated students access to complete both bachelor‘s and master‘s architecture work locally with globally recognized faculty.
University of Arizona
At the Tucson campus, U of A architecture students soak up the ample desert sunlight via studios and facilities adjacent to downtown. The 87% acceptance rate gives applicants attractive odds, letting them take advantage of strong industry connections in the Southwestern design scene.
University of Memphis
Memphis architecture students craft unique design perspectives drawing on the surround blues/rock culture. Over 95% of applicants gain access to the BFA in Architecture program and extensive urban research opportunities, especially in regional building preservation.
University of Nevada – Las Vegas
The proximity of UNLV‘s architecture programs to the Las Vegas Strip provides invaluable learning through analyzing material use, spatial design, environmental factors, and more in extravagant casinos. The 83% acceptance rate allows students to immerse themselves affordably.
North Dakota State University
At this public university in Fargo, in-state students gain architecture education with dedicated faculty for approximately $5,000 yearly. Strong industry ties, community-focused projects, and a 95% acceptance rate characterize the well-rounded program offerings.
While certain highly selective schools grab headlines, they are not the only pathway to success in the architecture field. Students should give close consideration to universities like the above when researching programs, as they offer top-tier education with the added benefit of more reasonable admission stats.
