Hi I am currently a high school student from nyc. I am going to major in architecture and I have a tough time deciding between Umich and Cooper Union. Overall, I like the environment and vibe at umich. However, I am aware that Cooper Union has a better architecture program. I’m also deciding between whether I am going to spend 6 years in college or 5 years because Cooper Union offers a bachelors program to be licensed as an architect in 5 years and umich offers a 4 year undergraduate and 2 year masters. Tuition is good from both but cooper is offering more money.
The MArch program at Michigan is rather expensive (currently $73,581 per year for the 2-year program according to https://taubmancollege.umich.edu/architecture/admissions/tuition/master-architecture-march ).
What would the total cost of the Michigan undergraduate + 2-year MArch be, and how does that compare with the Cooper Union 5-year BArch? How much debt would each require?
- Cooper and UM are both excellent schools but they would provide very different college experiences. Do you have a preference?
- Are both schools affordable (5 years for Cooper and 6 for UM)?
@dajang, Two good choices. I wouldn’t necessarily say that Cooper has “a better architecture program.” The BArch and the BS+MArch routes are different approaches but both get you to the same end, and both schools of architecture are highly regarded.
The BArch is faster, but more intensely architecture focused. The BS+MArch takes longer but allows for more experimentation in other disciplines during the undergraduate years.
Even if you go with the BArch, you may eventually want to get an MArch (many architects do) so you should consider that potential cost as well. You should also consider what other options are available to you in the event that architecture doesn’t work out for you.
Architecture school costs can vary widely. If cost is a driving factor in your decision, you’ll need to quantify the total cost of each, factoring in tuition, cost of living, aid, grants etc. With a BS you also have the option of getting your MArch at another school which is another variable.
I would agree with @happy1 that Cooper and UMich would provide very different undergraduate experiences. If you prefer UMich and if the BA/BS+MArch is affordable for you, then it seems that the BS+MArch route is the better choice.