NAAB Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Architecture Schools: What’s the Difference?

Architecture school is a big investment of both time and money, so you want to be sure that you’re choosing the right one. For a lot of students, that means attending an accredited architecture school—but what does it mean to be accredited? And what can you do with your degree if it’s not?

Here, we’ll break down what it means for a program to be NAAB-accredited, why it can be beneficial to attend one—and how you can still grow in your career without an accredited degree. 

Does NAAB Accreditation Matter?

Yes, NAAB accreditation matters if you plan to become a licensed architect. Most states require graduates to have a degree from a NAAB-accredited program to qualify for licensure. While alternative paths exist, an accredited degree is the most straightforward route.he National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the agency that evaluates architecture degree programs across the US and ensures these programs adequately prepare students to enter the field of architecture.

Key facts about NAAB-accredited programs:

• 173+ NAAB-accredited programs across 137+ institutions in the US
• Graduates of accredited programs have 5% higher ARE pass rates
• All 50 states accept NAAB-accredited degrees for licensure
• Non-accredited degree holders may need additional experience hours (varies by state)

Bottom line: If you have any interest in becoming a licensed architect, choose an accredited program. If you're certain you won't pursue licensure, non-accredited programs may offer valid alternatives.

What Does it Mean to Be NAAB-Accredited?

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) is the agency that evaluates architecture degree programs across the US and ensures these programs adequately prepare students to enter the field of architecture. 

For programs to become accredited, they must go through a continuous review process that ensures quality education and student readiness. 

The accrediting process goes through a cycle of the following:

• Self-study: The school or program prepares a written summary that addresses the NAAB Conditions and Procedures for Accreditation.
• Peer review: A team of educators, practitioners, regulators, and students reviews the self-study and visits the school to evaluate the program. This team is made of unpaid volunteers. 
• Prepare visiting team report (VTR): At the end of their visit, the visiting team prepares a report documenting their findings. This report includes things like progress since the last visit (if there was one), conditions met and not met, and causes for concern. The NAAB then uses this report as a recommendation for accreditation or not. 
• Action and judgment by the board: Based on the findings in the VTR, the NAAB board can vote to grant, continue, or deny accreditation to the program. 

Accreditation isn’t a one and done process; it’s a status that programs have to continuously earn, and if the visiting team and NAAB think their standards have changed, accreditation can be revoked. Programs have to resubmit and continue to be accredited on time cycles that range from every few to every eight years. 

This ongoing review ensures that programs keep up their same standards and are adequately preparing their students for the professional world. It also allows schools who previously weren’t accredited to submit (or resubmit) their proposal and earn accreditation status.

What does NAAB evaluate?

The accreditation process assesses programs across multiple dimensions including curriculum content, faculty qualifications, student work quality, physical resources (studios, fabrication labs, libraries), and student support services. Programs must demonstrate they're teaching the knowledge, skills, and abilities future architects need to practice safely and effectively.

Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Programs: Key Differences

Understanding the practical differences between accredited and non-accredited programs can help you make an informed decision about your education path.

Important note: Non-accredited doesn't mean "bad quality." Many excellent architecture-related programs choose not to seek NAAB accreditation because they serve different educational goals, such as preparing students for graduate school, focusing on architectural history/theory, or training for related fields like urban planning or construction management.

Notable NAAB-Accredited Architecture Programs by Region

While you can view the complete list on NAAB's official database, here are some notable accredited programs by region to help you start your search:

Northeast

• Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Known for strong technology integration, fabrication facilities, and research programs
• Yale School of Architecture (New Haven, CT) - M.Arch only - Highly selective, emphasis on design theory and discourse
• Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Strong professional preparation and study abroad programs
• MIT (Cambridge, MA) - M.Arch - Computational design, building technology, and research focus
• University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) - M.Arch - Historic preservation, urban design, and real estate development programs
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (Providence, RI) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Strong arts foundation, interdisciplinary approach
• Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Urban context, sustainable design focus

Southeast

• University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) - M.Arch - Known for traditional design education and prestigious reputation
• Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) - M.Arch - Technology-forward, strong emphasis on building science
• Clemson University (Clemson, SC) - M.Arch - Collaborative culture, Charleston study programs
• Auburn University (Auburn, AL) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Rural Studio program for community-focused design
• University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) - M.Arch - Sustainability focus, strong community engagement
• Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Design-build programs, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center

Midwest

• University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) - M.Arch - Research-intensive, interdisciplinary opportunities
• Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) (Chicago, IL) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Modernist legacy, Mies van der Rohe influence
• University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH) - M.Arch - Strong co-op program with paid work experience
• Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Collaborative design studios, community design center
• University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) - M.Arch - Sustainable design, cold climate architecture
• Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) - M.Arch - Small cohorts, strong faculty mentorship

West Coast

• University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) - M.Arch - Research-focused, environmental design emphasis
• University of Southern California (USC) (Los Angeles, CA) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Digital technologies, urban design
• University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Sustainable design pioneer, strong theory program
• University of Washington (Seattle, WA) - M.Arch - Integrated design, fabrication, and technology
• California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) (San Luis Obispo, CA) - B.Arch - "Learn by doing" philosophy, hands-on approach
• Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) (Los Angeles, CA) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Avant-garde, experimental design focus

Southwest

• University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Large program with diverse specializations
• Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ) - M.Arch - Desert architecture, sustainable design for arid climates
• University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) - M.Arch - Integrated approach to design and technology
• Rice University (Houston, TX) - B.Arch, M.Arch - Small, selective program with strong design focus
• University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) - M.Arch - Regional architecture, southwestern design traditions

This is not a comprehensive list. Programs vary in size, philosophy, specialization, and culture. We recommend researching multiple programs that align with your interests, career goals, and financial situation.

View the complete directory of all NAAB-accredited programs at the official NAAB database.

How to choose between accredited programs?

Consider factors beyond accreditation status including location, program size, faculty expertise, facilities, study abroad opportunities, specialization options (sustainable design, historic preservation, urban design, etc.), and career placement rates. Visit campuses when possible and talk to current students and recent graduates about their experiences.

Why Choose an Accredited Architecture Program?

With 173+ accredited programs available nationwide, there are plenty of non-accredited options as well—so why choose an accredited architecture program?

There are a few different benefits of having an accredited degree depending on where you want your career to go and what you want to do after you graduate. One big area it can impact is your path to licensure.

Accreditation and Licensure

Most state licensing boards require their candidates for licensure to have a degree from an NAAB-accredited school. If you haven't yet gotten your degree and think that licensure is something you might want to pursue in the future, then having an accredited degree keeps that option open for you—even if you're not 100% sure about getting your license right now.

All 50 states accept NAAB-accredited degrees for licensure eligibility. While alternative paths exist (more on this below), an accredited degree provides the most straightforward, universally accepted route to becoming a licensed architect. If there's even a 25% chance you might want to pursue licensure someday, an accredited degree eliminates future barriers.

Better Preparation for the ARE Exams

The goal of accredited programs is to prepare future architects with the knowledge and skills needed for professional practice, and this shows up in the outcomes. According to NCARB By the Numbers 2022, graduates of NAAB-accredited programs have 5% higher pass rates on the ARE than graduates of non-accredited programs, and MArch graduates have a 4% higher pass rate than graduates of BArch programs.

So if you think getting your license is in your future, having the foundational knowledge that an accredited program gives you can pay off in passing the ARE.

Employer Perspectives

Many architecture firms prefer or specifically seek candidates with accredited degrees, particularly for positions on a licensure track. While an accredited degree isn't always required for employment, it signals to employers that you received comprehensive professional education and are eligible to pursue licensure—which benefits the firm's ability to take on certain types of projects and qualify for professional liability insurance.

What Can You Do With an Unaccredited Degree?

If you already graduated from an unaccredited program, you may be feeling a bit stressed out reading this. But don't worry—there are still ways you can work as an architect and even get your license even if you don't have an accredited degree.

Some degrees, like a Bachelor of Science in Architecture or a Bachelor of Environmental Design, often aren't accredited, but still give you a solid background for working in the architecture field. Plus, these programs often meet the requirements for applying to an MArch degree, so you still have the option to get an accredited degree if you want to.

Many people use non-accredited undergraduate programs as pre-professional degrees—building foundational knowledge in design, history, and theory before pursuing an accredited M.Arch program for their professional degree.

If you want to work in architecture but aren't concerned about getting your license, then these kinds of programs and other non-accredited degrees might be a great fit for you. You can have a fulfilling career in the architecture field without licensure, working as an architectural designer, project coordinator, specification writer, or in related roles. Accreditation becomes critical primarily if you want to pursue licensure.

Alternative Paths to Licensure

Through the Education Alternatives initiative, NCARB has created alternate paths to licensure for graduates of non-accredited programs. Some jurisdictions allow these candidates to earn and document additional experience working in architecture. The exact number of hours and other requirements vary slightly by jurisdiction, so if you're interested in exploring that option make sure you check out NCARB's Licensing Requirements Tool.

What Education Alternatives typically require:

• Additional experience hours: Most jurisdictions require 2-4 additional years of documented architectural experience beyond the standard AXP requirements. For example, California requires an additional 2,400 hours.
• Supervised experience: The additional hours must typically be completed under the supervision of a licensed architect.
• Documentation: Careful tracking and documentation of experience through NCARB's systems.
• Extended timeline: Graduates of non-accredited programs typically add 1-3 years to their path to licensure compared to accredited program graduates.

State variation: Not all states participate in Education Alternatives. Some jurisdictions are more flexible than others, while a handful require NAAB-accredited degrees with no exceptions. Check your target jurisdiction's specific requirements using NCARB's Licensing Requirements Tool before committing to a non-accredited program.

Important consideration: If you plan to practice in multiple states or relocate during your career (which many architects do), an accredited degree provides the most flexibility. Reciprocal licensure between states is generally smoother for candidates who took the standard accredited degree path.

In the 2022 By The Numbers report, NCARB also calls out that the rising costs of higher education makes these requirements for licensure an obstacle for marginalized and underrepresented groups that want to enter the profession, and that they're exploring other, more accessible ways to enter the profession while still upholding rigorous standards. This is something to watch out for in the future, as it can be a game-changer for who's able to become an architect.

Is an Accredited Degree Worth It?

As with so many questions related to architecture education, the answer to this one is "It depends." When you're picking your architecture school, you have to consider everything—like cost, location, and program outcomes.

Choose an accredited program if:

• You want to keep the licensure option open
• You plan to practice architecture professionally
• You want the highest probability of passing the ARE
• You may relocate to different states during your career
• You want verified quality assurance in your education

A non-accredited program might work if:

• You're certain you won't pursue licensure
• You're using it as a pre-professional degree before an accredited M.Arch
• Cost is a significant barrier and the program meets your educational goals
• You're interested in architecture-adjacent fields (construction management, real estate development, urban planning)
• You're willing to complete additional experience hours for licensure and your target state accepts Education Alternatives

Bottom line: For most aspiring architects, the peace of mind and flexibility that comes with an accredited degree is worth it. The architecture profession is long and careers evolve—what you think you want at 20 might change by 30. An accredited degree keeps all doors open.