“The only NAAB-accredited architecture school where professional practice is woven into every degree from day one.”
The Boston Architectural College (BAC) is a private, independent institution located in Boston's historic Back Bay neighborhood, founded in 1889 as the Boston Architectural Club. It is one of the oldest and most distinctive design schools in the United States, offering degrees in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, and design studies. The BAC is best known for its innovative Practice curriculum, which integrates mandatory professional employment with academic coursework — a model unique among NAAB-accredited schools. This means students earn real professional experience in Boston's thriving design industry while completing their degrees, and many are eligible to have met the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) requirements for licensure by graduation. The BAC operates four schools: the School of Architecture, School of Interior Architecture, School of Landscape Architecture, and School of Design Studies. Together they offer over 20 degree and certificate programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The Master of Architecture is notable for being the first online graduate architecture program to receive NAAB accreditation, enabling students worldwide to pursue professional credentials. The IPAL (Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure) program provides an accelerated route from bachelor's admission to architectural licensure. Graduate Design Studies programs in Sustainable Design, Historic Preservation, Design for Human Health, Real Estate Development, and Urban Design address specialized design fields in high demand. With an open admissions policy for on-site programs, the BAC actively fulfills its mission to diversify the design profession. Nearly a quarter of students are international, drawn from over 54 countries. Boston itself serves as an extended campus — a city renowned for architecture from the colonial era to cutting-edge contemporary design, and home to major firms, cultural institutions, and urban planning organizations that serve as internship and practice partners. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,619 six years after enrollment, roughly 34% above the national median for all college graduates, reflecting the strong market value of BAC's practice-integrated education.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Architecture (GradReports)
GradReports 2020
Test Free — No test scores needed — they won't be reviewed even if submitted.
Official SourceRolling Admissions (On-Site Programs)
Applications accepted year-round; admissions decisions offered on a rolling basis for on-campus programs
Online Programs
Online programs have specific semester deadlines; contact admissions for current dates
This university does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$27,470
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
NAAB-accredited B.Arch and M.Arch programs with integrated practice and IPAL licensure pathway; M.Arch also available fully online
Professional design programs for interior environments at both undergraduate and graduate levels
Design of outdoor environments from residential gardens to urban landscapes; STEM OPT eligible
Specialized graduate concentrations addressing the intersection of design with health, environment, history, and real estate
5 years
NAAB-accredited five-year professional degree with mandatory practice curriculum; students work in architecture firms throughout their studies and can complete AXP requirements by graduation.
3 years
The first online M.Arch to receive NAAB accreditation, enabling working professionals worldwide to pursue licensure-ready credentials while maintaining their careers.
2 years
Graduate concentration focused on environmentally responsible design, energy systems, and sustainable construction practices in response to the climate crisis.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $27,470
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
