So basically, I’m considering either getting a BArch at IIT or a BA in architecture and a BS in civil or environmental engineering from Columbia (both programs would take five years). Columbia would cost $100,000 more than IIT. Although I’m not sure if I want to be strictly an architect, I wouldn’t mind going through the five-year BArch program. Columbia has been my dream school for a while… but I could practically buy a house with the money I’d save by going to IIT. Thoughts?
I’m not familiar with the entry level income for someone with a BS in civil or environmental engineering, but for sure I wouldn’t accrue $100+K in debt for a BA in architecture from Columbia or anywhere else. You previously wrote that you’d been accepted to Cornell’s BArch and that the cost would be in the range of $50K (more than the cost of IIT). Whether or not this would be manageable depends on your family’s financial situation and the cost of IIT.
Either way, the debt is going to be on your parents’ shoulders, not yours. How do they feel about it?
If you’re committed to the BArch then I’d go with Cornell. (It’s not clear to me why Columbia would be so much more than Cornell since they are both need based school)
If you’re not committed to the BArch, then you should find a BA or BS school that you can afford.
Since you are not sure you want to be an architect, you could also go for an Architectural Engineering degree at IIT which would take only 4 years.
@xraymancs what kind of job can you get with that degree?
It is a subset of civil engineering that focuses on built environment instead of roads, bridges and so on. Usually the work is in partnership with an architect with the engineer dealing with the engineering aspects of HVAC, lighting, sustainability, fire protection, etc. It is also possible to enter an MS program in structural engineering with this degree.