Hello everyone,
I was recently admitted to both the WashU and UVa undergraduate architecture programs, and was wondering if anyone could tell me how strong they are (or even which one is stronger). I visited UVa for the first time yesterday and loved it there, and am also visiting WashU in the second week of April (and am very excited), but since we are from the east coast, do not know much about WashU or their architecture program. I know that both UVa and WashU have awesome grad programs, but anything that you could tell me about their undergraduate programs would be immensely helpful!
Thanks!!
Good choices, @TheWaffleMan! I commented on UVA undergrad architecture in your previous thread. I would say that the architecture departments of these two schools are quite comparable: excellent faculty, strong design and sustainability focus, good internship and graduate school prospects. Both draw heavily on their respected graduate programs. For MArch admissions, they’re about equal.
I think you’ll have a better idea after you’ve visited WUSTL (And after you’ve received any outstanding decisions.)
Some things to look for when making comparisons:
Your cost of attendance
Architecture study abroad programs
Specialties of the department. For example Landscape architect at UVA.
Help with summer internships
Most importantly, think about where you’d want to be if you decide that architecture is not for you; how you react to the culture and environment of the university itself. Architecture is intense, but you’ll still want to take advantage of the university as a whole.
Looking at the university’s overall name recognition, UVA is somewhat better known in the Northeast, WUSTL in the midwest. WUSTL is ranked somewhat higher by USNWR.
@momrath Thank you for your response! Yeah I think these will probably be my top two choices. I will definitely keep these things in mind!
Architecture is a small world and most of WUSTL UG students attend Harvard, Yale or MIT for Grad school. My D’s TA who is an Architecture major at WUSTL got accepted to many of the Ivy’s - Harvard, UPenn, Yale, etc. Also out of last years class six UG students decided to attend Harvard’s Masters in Architecture which is very impressive considering how small WUSTL UG class is.
I don’t know much about UVa and I wouldn’t even consider UVa because it is OOS for us. I would never pay OOS rates when 95%+ pay instate. There is a huge difference in tuition: in state $14K a year vs. OOS $44K. If you are instate that’s an incredible price! 
I agree with Momrath’s point about considering the university as a whole. Architecture has a high drop out rate. It’s because it is a very difficult major - just as hard as engineering and medicine. That’s what they say - those are the three hardest majors. Many drop because they find out they don’t like it. So consider the overall university - what else they offer in case you change majors. Also take a look at the class size, availability of courses, do TA’s teach the courses (instead of the professors), etc. You will be taking many courses outside of Architecture. The public universities have incredibly large class sizes and sometimes its harder to sign up for classes too. They also have weed out courses due to too many students. There can be a huge difference between public and private universities and I’m a fan of private for these very reasons.
Most importantly try to pick the college that fits you. They say happy students are successful students. It’s so true!
Thank you for responding @newjersey17 ! I am OOS unfortunately, but I loved it when I visited, so I will have to see how much I like WashU when I visit! I will definitely keep all of these aspects of the schools in mind!!
https://sfs.virginia.edu/cost/15-16
Here is the total cost of attendance for UVa. It shows the comparison between in state vs. OOS total costs (tuition/room/board fees) which is $29K vs. $60K for Architecture respectively.
@newjersey17 I know that there is a humongous gap, but WashU is even more expensive, so I have to visit and really determine if it will be a worthwhile investment. My parents are willing to pay it if they know that I will LOVE it. They don’t see it as a waste of money since they are paying for an experience, not just a degree.
@The WaffleMan, You have very nice parents, but be sure to set aside some of their money for your MArch, which can be an expensive degree.
@momrath Yes I am extremely lucky. Thank you!
@TheWaffleMan149 aw does this mean you were rejected from the ivies?? 
I was cheering for you! It happened to me too (except one waitlist but whatever).
Regarding your actual question, at least in Virginia, UVA’s architecture program is top notch, whereas not many have even heard of WashU. Just take this with a grain of salt, but it’s worth it to think about where you want to live later.
Lastly, I’m probably going to UVA and I would love to go to school with you! It’s been great going through this whole process with you( and others.)
@MijoChbulkan Yes it does unfortunately HYP + Penn. I am sorry that it happened to you too 
We should definitely keep in touch. Were you in the Penn ED thread? UVa is in my top 2 right now with WashU (and possibly Tufts depending on what I hear about their program), and am visiting WashU next week, so I will have to see what is going on!!
@TheWaffleMan149 yeah I was in penn ED towards the end. I got accepted to Boston college also, but money wise, it wouldn’t make sense for me to go there if I’m instate for UVA and I want to do business. Technically I got waitlisted at Columbia, but I’m still debating whether or not I will take it.
I’ll dm you like my name and insta. I do want to know where everyone ends up. good luck!
We have a Facebook group chat going for the Penn ED thread, so I will add you!
I am making exact same decision, and torn between the two. Im instate for UVA, but WashU may make a comparable financial aid offer… in the process of appealing
UVa and UNC-CH are the only two public universities in the US that meet 100% of proven financial need for all US students. Therefore, there are many out of state UVa students who pay about the same net tuition as in-state students. However, UVa does expect students to take out federal loans and will offer work study as part of the package. UVa for many decades has been 1/3 out of state students among the total undergrad population.
@TheWaffleMan149 How was your visit to WashU? Which arch program looks better to you now?
@dfin2013 It was great. Both programs seem pretty similar. I have talked to faculty in both programs, and ultimately, have been told that I am in a good place. I think that I will probably commit to WashU though!
That’s so exciting! Congratulations!
@dfin2013 Thank you so much!! It definitely is!