Best Architecture colleges in California 2026

Best Architecture colleges in California for 2026

UC Berkeley is world-renowned for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to diversity. Berkeley’s esteemed Department of Architecture is home to several exciting degree options, including bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs. There are also concurrent programs for graduate students, such as the popular Concurrent Master of Architecture/Master of Landscape Architecture. Courses are taught by “world-class, award-winning faculty” who bring their deep knowledge and experiences to the classrooms.

USC is a competitive, private university situated on 229 acres near downtown Los Angeles. The bustling School of Architecture boasts a dynamic legacy tracing back 100 years, and it continues to promote “cutting-edge research, design, and fabrication while emphasizing the importance of a strong commitment to social and ecological justice.” With an unprecedented number of academic offerings for undergrads and grad students, a roster of accomplished faculty, multiple research opportunities, labs, and groups, plus a unique Architectural Guild, it’s no wonder USC is tough to get into—but worth it!  

Find Online Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers 2 Architecture degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2024, 6 Architecture students graduated with students earning 6 Master's degrees.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona offers 2 Architecture degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2024, 108 Architecture students graduated with students earning 85 Bachelor's degrees, and 23 Master's degrees.

Image by @with_jiyoung

University of California-Los Angeles offers 3 Architecture degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 21 Architecture students graduated with students earning 20 Bachelor's degrees, and 1 Master's degree.

University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA

University of San Francisco offers 1 Architecture degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 35 Architecture students graduated with students earning 35 Bachelor's degrees.

California State University-Fresno offers 1 Architecture degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 11 Architecture students graduated with students earning 11 Bachelor's degrees.

Find local colleges with Architecture majors in California

List of all Architecture colleges in California

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
University of California-Berkeley Logo University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA
4/5
23 : 1 45,882
University of Southern California Logo University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA
5/5
21 : 1 46,566
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Logo California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA
3/5
23 : 1 23,069
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Logo California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA
2/5
40 : 1 27,636
University of California-Los Angeles Logo University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
3/5
23 : 1 47,335