<p>I was accepted into Cornell University's undergraduate architecture program (ED) and will be attending in fall of 08 (Class of 2013). Woo hoo!</p>
<p>I was particularly worried, however, about the kind of debt that I would graduate with after 5 years at Cornell, even more so if I go for grad school at another private school immediately after (which I think I probably will). My parents make a little over 100k/year, and they said that they think they have the first two years figured out. After that, we would probably have to take out loans - which my father is extremely wary of given the exhorbitant interest rates as seen in my sister's student loans. Luckily, Cornell says they'll give about $10,000 in financial aid out of the ~$50,000 cost per year for my first year, which my parents were extremely happy about after thinking that we wouldn't get any aide at all. I also realize that ultimately, education is a very important investment.</p>
<p>When I told my parents that the average intern architect makes around $36,000 a year, they laughed and thought that I was about 20k off. Also, whenever I bring up salary, the interns at the firm where I work keep telling me that architecture is the wrong field to go in. At first, I didn't really worry too much about the income. But after giving a realistic look at the cost of school, I'm getting second thoughts. I do love architecture, and people tell me to go with what I love, but I don't think I could love a profession that'll make paying student loans so difficult.</p>
<p>So I was wondering....</p>
<p>Do graduates of Cornell's B.Arch program have higher salaries than the average (either after going through grad school or not)? I know that admission is extremely selective (50-60 new freshmen/year), and I keep hearing that it's usually easier for cornell grads to get into big firms like SOM or Gensler (who himself was a cornell grad) assuming you have a good portfolio.</p>
<p>no, you will not earn more than any other school even if you work for a more prestigious firm. Prestigious firms go by the mantra "we're awesome enough, we don't need to pay you more"</p>
<p>The degree from Cornell may open up a few more doors for you.
You more than likely NOT make more than the intern graduating from a state school.
Early on in your career it will all be about how much you can produce for the company. Very little design.
You don't produce, you are replaced by someone who can.
Don't think that life in large companies such as SOM either.
I met an intern that spent almost a full year with them detailing a custom elevator.
He did not look like a happy camper during our AR liscensing testing.</p>
<p>The average salary for AAP is $36K I believe...research the post-graduation career survey (not sure if that's the exact wording of the title). But, and correct me if I'm wrong, I feel that figure is misleading as architects earn commission and other earnings in addition to their base salary.</p>
<p>36k is typical for a starchitect firm. grads working for corporate architecture firms are getting around 50k..which is pretty typical for any cornell graduate</p>
<p>I know an architect who has not been licensed yet who makes $66,000 (been working about 6 years.) And he's not a Cornell grad either, he went to Washington University in St. Louis (also very prestigious for architecture.) I've heard that you can have a much better career if you get a master's in project management after an undergrad degree in architecture.</p>
<p>Well Cornell is the best so I'm sure u'll be above "average" salary. U kno about the new loans program right? U won't be paying very many loans since ur family makes below $120,000. That means that u won't be paying more than $3,000 in loans per year (starting not next year but the year after). Altho that doesn't help w/ the remaining money ur parents have to spend but there are always sacrifices when u do what u love. GL with ur decision!</p>