Do you love studying buildings and dream of spending your career designing them? If so, you’re probably wondering where to get the best architecture education. In order to help you, here we have compiled a list of the Best Architecture Colleges in California to decide which is the best architecture college for you.

Study Architecture is a one-stop resource for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in the Architecture profession. Check out our full list with an overview of architecture schools as well as their tuition, programs, ranking etc. Good Luck!!!

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley’s undergraduate program in Architecture leads to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. The program combines required courses in environmental design and architecture with opportunities for highly varied individual programs. Through its core courses, the program offers a broad introduction to the field of architecture, and through studies in the various areas it provides opportunities to prepare for specialization in the field in the areas of architectural design and representation; architectural technologies and building performance; and architectural history, society and culture. Graduates go on to obtain professional degrees in architecture or in other related fields; many others work in architectural practice, construction, government, or industry.

Founded In: 1868
Ranking:  1st
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 13,431 USD, Out-of-state 38,139 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 510-642-3175
Apply Now: http://guide.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/degree-programs/architecture/

University of Southern California School of Architecture

The USC School of Architecture is consistently ranked amongst the most prestigious architecture schools in California. It offers both undergraduate and graduates degrees in the fields of architecture, building science, landscape architecture and heritage conservation (historic preservation).  Landscape architecture at USC is a design-centered program centered on a trans-disciplinary approach. The Master of Landscape Architecture is accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). Many of the faculty members at the School of Architecture are practicing professionals and researchers.

Founded In: 1916
Ranking:  2nd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: $72,277
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 213-613-2200
Apply Now: https://arch.usc.edu/

University of California-Los Angeles

UCLA is the second-oldest undergraduate campus of the ten-campus University of California system. With more than 3,800 courses in 109 academic departments, UCLA offers 125+ majors to help you define your academic path. And 70 percent of their undergraduate classes have 30 or fewer students, maximizing your personal engagement with their internationally renowned faculty. Its academic requirements are among the most rigorous in the nation. There are countless opportunities for research, fellowships, and internships and for connecting with major players in almost any field.

Founded In: 1919
Ranking:  3rd
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 12,763 USD, Out-of-state 37,471 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 310-825-4321
Apply Now: http://www.ucla.edu/the-arts/school-of-the-arts-and-architecture

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis

Architecture is one of five departments in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design.  Cal Poly’s CAED program has nearly 1,900 students and is one of the largest programs in the United States. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in five departments, as well as two master’s degree programs. Cal Poly received 55,000 applications, 1,501 of which were for the Architecture Program, and 172 students had been accepted. Acceptance into Architecture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is highly competitive due to its reputation for excellence.

Founded In: 1948
Ranking:  4th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 9,001 USD, Out-of-state 20,161 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 805-756-1111
Apply Now: http://www.caed.calpoly.edu/

California State Polytechnic University- Pomona Department of Architecture

The Architecture program at Cal Poly Pomona emerged from the creative and practical incubator of Los Angeles, which has long encouraged experimentation as it continually reinvents itself. Their Department also owes its diverse population and perspectives about the practice of architecture to the multicultural demographics of Southern California and the broad spectrum of creative opportunities found in the region. The program begins with a core foundation in design, followed by the technical training necessary for the practice of architecture. Cal Poly Pomona Architecture values their relationship with industry. Its program owes much to the architecture and development communities, who are always welcome into their studios as critics, mentors, and ultimately as employers.

Founded In: 1938
Ranking:  5th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: In-state 7,016 USD, Out-of-state 18,176 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 909 869 7659
Apply Now: http://env.cpp.edu/arc/arc

University of San Francisco Department of Art + Architecture

The Department of Art + Architecture holds unique appeal among educational institutions in the Bay Area. Architecture, urban design, city planning, and landscape design — they deliver an interdisciplinary education inspired by a design that addresses the common good. They create an environment where students engage with and learn from the city and surroundings through innovative architectural design and real-world projects that make a significant difference in the lives of underserved communities.

Founded In: 1855
Ranking:  6th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 42,634 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (415) 422-5555
Apply Now: https://www.usfca.edu/arts-sciences/undergraduate-programs/art-architecture

Southern California Institute of Architecture

The school consists of approximately 500 students and 80 faculty members, some of whom are practicing architects. SCI-Arc offers undergraduate, B.Arch, and graduates degree programs, M.Arch 1 and M.Arch 2 accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). SCI-Arc is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). SCI-Arc also offers two summer programs: a four-week program for high school students, Design Immersion Days; and a four-week intensive, introductory program that explores design through experimental architecture, Making+Meaning.

Founded In: 1972
Ranking:  7th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 44,068 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: 213.613.2200
Apply Now: https://sciarc.edu/

California Baptist University

The mission of CBU Architecture is to develop architects who demonstrate professional excellence and personal integrity, are servant leaders in their communities, and who live biblically based, missional lives within the profession. CBU Architecture is founded on a deep desire to create a program that approaches architectural education in a different, relevant way that will prepare their graduates for the new and ever evolving world that will await them when they graduate. CBU Architecture offers two degrees: Pre-professional 4 year Bachelors of Architecture, and professional single institution 5-year Master of Architecture degrees.

Founded In: 1950
Ranking:  8th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 30,384 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (877) 228-3615
Apply Now: http://cavad.calbaptist.edu/

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Woodbury University School of Architecture

Woodbury School of Architecture is distinguished by its multiple locations at the heart of the Southern California creative industries. Its faculty is comprised of active and prolific architects, designers, and academics building and writing across Los Angeles and San Diego. Woodbury’s five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program provides graduates with a framework of professional knowledge applicable to a range of fields. Interior Architecture at Woodbury’s School of Architecture explores new design frontiers to expand professional possibilities.

Founded In: 1884
Ranking:  9th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 36,408 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: (818) 767-0888
Apply Now: https://woodbury.edu/program/school-of-architecture/

California College of the Arts

CCA’s architecture programs prepare students for positions of leadership in the design professions. CCA’s architecture programs currently enroll 260+ students, and its faculty is composed of leading researchers and design professionals. CCA offers undergraduate programs in animation, architecture, ceramics, fashion design etc. Graduate programs include architecture, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual criticism, and writing. CCA’s architecture programs integrate critical, artistic, and material approaches the study and practice of architecture. CCA architecture students develop into leaders in the field by addressing contemporary design challenges through their creativity.

Founded In: 1907
Ranking:  10th
Tuition & Fees Approximately: 43,708 USD
Finance and Admission Office Contact: +1 510-594-3600
Apply Now: http://www.cca.edu/