ARCHITECTURE SCHOLARSHIPS

If you have both a creative and analytical mind and a passion for solving problems, the field of architecture may be for you.
This field is popular amongst many high school students, not only for its job opportunities but also for its financial rewards. On average, architects make around $79,380 annually with top architect salaries surpassing the $100K mark. But, any worthwhile investment can have high costs, and an architecture degree is not cheap.
Architecture studies are usually 5-year programs with costs from $50,000 to more than $100,000. Such an expense does not account for the fees you have to pay for your license exam and processing fees. Thus, many students find it challenging to afford a degree in architecture and look for scholarships.
If you have both a creative and analytical mind and a passion for solving problems, the field of architecture may be for you.
This field is popular amongst many high school students, not only for its job opportunities but also for its financial rewards. On average, architects make around $79,380 annually, with top architect salaries surpassing the $100K mark.
But, any worthwhile investment can have high costs, and an architecture degree is not cheap.
Architecture studies are usually 5-year programs with costs from $50,000 to more than $100,000. Such an expense does not account for the fees you have to pay for your license exam and processing fees. Thus, many students find it challenging to afford a degree in architecture and look for scholarships.
This article will go through the types of architecture scholarships and how to get them.
What type of architecture scholarships can you get?
As a high school student, when you start searching for college scholarships, you will find that there are several types of funding. Here are your top three options for scholarships for architecture.
Merit-based scholarships. Colleges, universities, and other organizations award merit-based scholarships to academically gifted students that have managed to maintain a higher-than-average GPA amongst other credentials including test scores, extracurricular activities and community involvement. Applicants must apply for these scholarships by usually submitting their grade transcript and a personal statement or essay.
Need-based scholarships. Many students have financial needs or are unable to afford a degree. Because colleges and different organizations are aware of these struggles, they award need-based scholarships to students who can prove such difficulties in paying their tuition, living costs, or book expenses. To apply for these financial need scholarships, applicants must submit bank statements and any other documents which show their financial situation.
Grants. Students are usually awarded grants to subsidize their degree expenses and conduct research. Grants are similar to scholarships because the colleges or universities offering them do not require any money back. Still, they are usually given to students who are specializing in a specific field. To apply for grants, you may need to show a willingness and aptitude for conducting research or independent studies in architecture.
Where to find architecture scholarships?
After learning the types of scholarships for architecture you can get, you might wonder where to find them. There are two main places you can start to research your options for architecture scholarships in the United States.
Colleges and Universities
The largest providers of scholarships for any field, including architecture, are colleges and universities. They have different funding types depending on your area of study, demographics, academic achievements, and more. To find these scholarships, simply contact the colleges or universities you may have already applied to for admissions. Their staff can better inform you of your options and the types of scholarships they award.
Architecture Associations
Your next step can be to reach out to architecture associations. These are professional organizations for those in architecture, such as the Society of American Registered Architects or the American Institute of Architects. Organizations like these aim to support individuals who seek to join their profession by providing financial support. You should contact the association in your local area or find others that are in the country. Even if they do not award any financial support, ask if they can help you with applications or potential internship opportunities.
Best colleges for scholarships for architecture
Most architecture colleges and universities may offer some financial help to their students, depending on their performance or need. But, some colleges are known for their quality NAAB accredited education and opportunities for college scholarships. Here are the top five colleges and other architecture programs you can start to research for these scholarships.
Rice University
With a competitive admissions rate of only 11%, Rice University is one of the best known for its architecture studies. The university was founded in 1912 in Houston, TX, and is a bustling center for student life. Rice University is smaller in terms of undergraduate student enrollment, but they maintain a ratio of five students to one professor (5:1), which allows them to offer tailored learning and research opportunities.
The Architecture School at Rice University focuses on innovative practices and partners with leading companies to offer students internships during their studies.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT prides itself as one of the best colleges in the United States. The premier institution located in Cambridge, MA, boasts a 7.3% only acceptance rate, and 94% of students who graduate continue to earn more than $80,000 in annual salaries.
MIT’s School of Architecture focuses on unifying new thinking methods, scientific inventions, and classical theories to offer a basis for architecture majors. Undergraduate students can choose to study architecture, real estate, urban planning, and more.
Cornell University
A private university located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is renowned as one of the best in the country. It offers many degree choices, quality education, and different research opportunities. Its graduates can work in various sectors, and he majority of its graduates are employed within two years after graduation.
Cornell’s Architecture Art & Planning Department includes undergraduate and graduate degrees with intensive curricula. All programs emphasize design and theory, so architecture majors learn the necessary skills and fundamentals of architecture early on in their studies.
Washington University in St. Louis
Located in Saint Louis, MO, this university is known for its art, design education, and architecture programs. The university focuses on teaching students creative thinking and communication while building confidence to practice their skills. Their architecture program provides numerous research and independent study opportunities to perfect their skills and apply what they are learning.
Yale University
Known as one of the world's best universities, Yale University provides an excellent architecture program for undergraduates and graduates. The school is located in New Haven, CT and has a vibrant, intellectually robust campus life and plenty of student activities.
The School of Architecture offers theoretical and practical courses with research opportunities from top faculty. Architecture majors get tailored study options while improving their design and architecture skills and knowledge.
Find the most suitable architecture scholarships in CollegeData
Most architecture programs are challenging, with renowned universities offering intensive curricula and practical opportunities.
Although architects make a hefty annual salary, the degree is not cheap, so many applicants must search for scholarships. Different colleges, universities, and professional organizations award such scholarships to architecture students.
Once you decide which type of university and program you want to enroll in, look through the CollegeData list to find the best architecture scholarships for you.
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