If you want to work in the field of architecture, you may want a Master’s Degree in Architecture. However, after completing an undergraduate degree, many deserving students are not ready to take on the additional costs of a graduate degree. Thankfully, there are many Masters of Architecture scholarships available for students who don’t want to take on the burden of tuition costs.
As digging around to find the best scholarships can be quite time-consuming, this article features a curated list of the best Masters of Architecture scholarships available to qualified students today. Learn about how to pay for your architecture graduate degree through financial assistance and more below.
What Is a Masters of Architecture?
A Master of Architecture is a two-year professional degree, which qualifies the graduate student to access various stages of professional accreditation. With this academic degree, the architect will receive a license to participate in projects of greater complexity and magnitudes. Having a Master’s of Architecture will give you a wide variety of opportunities in your architecture career.
How Much Does a Masters of Architecture Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the median in-state tuition is $11,495 for a master’s degree from public institutions. However, the cost can vary depending on the institution. For example, the University of Idaho’s Masters of Architecture tuition costs just $5,651 per semester for in-state students.
A graduate degree from a prestigious university like Harvard comes out to $25,464 per semester. Depending on your personal situation and the school you are accepted to, the financial burden of a Master’s of Architecture can be very cumbersome.
Masters of Architecture Salary: How Much Can You Earn?
According to PayScale, the average salary for an architect with a master’s degree is $64,000 per year. However, there are many different occupations and wages within this field. For example, a commercial architect makes an average wage of $65,896 a year. Alternatively, as an urban and regional planner, the annual salary is $57,384.
Is a Masters of Architecture Worth It?
Yes, having a Master’s of Architecture is a prerequisite to participating in large urban projects and making strides in the field. Equipped with the knowledge a Master’s in Architecture provides, you will impact the world of domestic and business infrastructure design and planning.
As previously mentioned, the cost of master’s programs deters many students from pursuing advanced degrees. However, the many scholarships available can make getting an advanced architecture degree much less financially straining. A financial grant can greatly skew the risk-to-reward ratio of getting a graduate degree in the student’s favor.
How to Pay for Your Architecture Graduate Degree with Masters of Architecture Scholarships
A Masters of Architecture scholarship can take many forms. Overall, scholarships help with the financial costs of attending graduate school, whether that is through tuition assistance or other forms of financial aid. Students can apply for scholarships through public organizations, private institutions, and foundations. All scholarships and aid programs will have different requirements.
The application process for scholarships aimed at master’s students can be more in-depth than what you might find at the undergraduate level. Oftentimes, students must compile portfolios and letters of recommendation. Applicants usually need to have strong academic records, particularly for merit scholarships.
Best Masters of Architecture Scholarships: Overview
| Organization | Scholarship Name | How Much It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| AIA New Hampshire Architecture Foundation | NHAF Scholarships | $750 to $1,000 |
| AIA New York Center for Architecture | Center for Architecture Design Scholarship | $5,000 |
| Gensler | Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Harvard University | The David Kenneth Specter Fellowship Fund | This amount varies with each recipient |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Marvin E. Goody Award | $5,000 |
| Silicon Valley Community Foundation | AIA Silicon Valley William R. Hawley Scholarship | $5,000 |
| The American Institute of Architects | Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship | $5,000 |
Best Masters of Architecture Scholarships: In Detail
NHAF Scholarships | AIA New Hampshire Architecture Foundation
This scholarship supports development opportunities for students and the overall professional community. The New Hampshire Architecture Foundation promotes quality in design, construction, and preservation to foster sustainability and an understanding of design excellence in the built environment.
This scholarship opportunity is only available to residents of New Hampshire. Those who wish to apply will also have to be enrolled or accepted to an accredited school. In addition, applicants will need to submit an online application with a personal letter, two recommendation letters, two free-hand sketches, and a personal design example with an explanation.
Center for Architecture Design Scholarship | AIA New York Center for Architecture
This scholarship may consist of either single or multiple awards of $5,000. This opportunity is available for students who want to earn their first professional degree in architecture or similar design discipline from a school within New York State. Invitations to apply for this prestigious scholarship are administered by either the dean or department chair of each university.
Further, such an invitation is available for up to two students of each institution. Applicants’ financial needs will be determined by the financial aid officer of the respective school. This is a merit-based scholarship, so it will be awarded based on a student’s portfolio and two letters of recommendation.
Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship | Gensler
Gensler awards Black students scholarship assistance to allow them to pursue an education in architecture programs. Gensler helps underrepresented students through a variety of scholarship options like tuition scholarships, micro-scholarships, and financial assistance for books and materials.
To apply, eligible students must identify as Black or African American, and be enrolled in a program within the US. The application requirements include submitting a resume, a letter of recommendation from the respective dean or department chair, an advanced-level architecture project, and an introduction video. Applicants will have to complete a design challenge.
The David Kenneth Specter Fellowship Fund | Harvard University
This academic benefit offers merit and need-based financial assistance for qualifying Harvard Graduate School of Design students. The opportunity aims to support students who are studying contemporary urbanism with an international viewpoint.
This Fellowship Fund is only available to Harvard students and students have to be selected as recipients, there are no applications. However, the architecture program at Harvard also offers a variety of other graduate fellowships as well.
Marvin E. Goody Award | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
This scholarship is awarded once each fall and spring semester to a student from a variety of departments at MIT, including architecture postgraduate students. Application requirements include submitting an application that includes letters of support, a budget for how students will use the funds, a thesis proposal, and a resume.
AIA Silicon Valley William R. Hawley Scholarship | Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Only legal residents of Santa Clara County and those who are current students in an architecture program can apply. However, previous recipients of this scholarship are welcome to apply again. If you are an outstanding student passionate about a full-time career in architecture, you have a good chance of earning this scholarship.
Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship | The American Institute of Architects
Applicants for this scholarship must be currently enrolled in a NAAB-accredited institution, have at least a 3.0-grade point average, and be a US citizen. Therefore, international students can not apply. The application consists of an essay, letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a portfolio containing five to 15 files.
In addition to the $5,000 scholarship award, the recipient will also be included in a mentoring program from Yann Weymouth, FAIA. This sets the scholarship recipient up for a successful career after graduation.
How to Pay for Your Architecture Graduate Degree Without Scholarships: Alternative Financial Aid Options
If you do not receive any scholarship funds, you can still obtain funding for your studies in architecture. Below, there are three alternatives that will help you cover your study expenses in whole or in part without applying for a scholarship.
Private Loans
If you are looking to finance your educational endeavors, private loans are always an option. Since these loans are from private banks, they don’t consider academic achievement. Nearly all major banks offer some form of an educational loan. Keep in mind that this money has to be paid back with interest. Oftentimes these loans can be applied for through an online application.
Government Loans
Similar to undergraduate students, the federal government also offers loans for students attending a variety of graduate programs, including those in the field of architecture. Much like private loans, government loans also have to be paid back with interest. However, government loans offer lower interest rates and more payment flexibility.
Employer Sponsorship
Since obtaining a master’s degree is directly linked to career advancement and greater skill, a future or present employer may be willing to pay for your graduate study costs. Students in architecture may begin working for a firm after they complete their undergraduate degree.
In some cases, if both the employer and the prospective student see the value in seeking more academic progress, tuition costs may be split or even entirely covered by the employer. You can speak to your employer about how advancing your level of education in this field of study can help you become a more effective employee.
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Should You Apply for Masters of Architecture Scholarships?
If you aim to attend a graduate program in a school of architecture, it is always wise to apply for scholarships. In addition to lessening the financial weight of higher education, receiving a prestigious scholarship can look great on a job application. Many graduate-level scholarships come with a mentoring program and other educational and networking opportunities.
Masters of Architecture Scholarships FAQ
How Can I Get a Scholarship for Architecture?
The first step is to research scholarships that you are eligible for, as many are only available for specific groups. For merit-based awards, you will have to demonstrate high academic performance. In some scholarship applications, you can increase your chances of being selected by providing an impressive portfolio or impactful letters of recommendation.
What are the best master’s degrees for architects?
Aside from the traditional Master of Architecture, architecture students who want to pursue a master’s degree can also consider a Master’s in Design Engineering, Master’s in Graphic Design, Master of Architecture in Landscape Design, or a Master’s in Urban Planning.
What can I do after my Master’s in Architecture?
Some jobs available to those who have graduated from a graduate school of architecture include working as an architectural technologist, interior and spatial designer, urban planner, or research architect.
What type of architect gets paid the most?
Landscape architects, architectural technologists, architectural designers, commercial architects, and industrial architects have the opportunity to earn around the same amount of money. You can earn more by building skills and experience. Once you are able to work on bigger projects you will earn more money, no matter what type of architect you are.
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