Washington, DC—Recent communication from the U.S. Department of Education regarding the implementation of recent budget decisions omitted the study of architecture from its list of professional graduate degrees that qualify for a higher level of federal student lending. This understandably raises concern that access to federal loans will be limited for graduate students working toward gaining a professional degree in architecture. This would likely increase costs by pushing students toward higher interest private loans and could reduce the appeal of pursuing an education path toward licensure.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) works with 55 state and jurisdiction-appointed boards of architecture to facilitate the licensure and credentialing of architects. State-level regulation of the practice of architecture was established in the early 1900s, is incorporated into most states’ law, and most often prefers or requires a professional degree (5+ years) to obtain a license (37 states currently have this requirement). This legal reality, as endorsed by the governments authorized to bestow licensure, argues for the inclusion of architecture in the Department of Education’s list of acknowledged professions. This is especially true given the heightened awareness of protecting public health and safety in the built environment.
NCARB is actively working to expand paths to licensure through its Pathways to Practice initiative, increasing opportunities for candidates to gain a license without incurring the high costs required for professional study. However, the significant majority of candidates (85%) enter the profession with an accredited degree in architecture, due to the specialized nature of the work and the deep knowledge base required to practice. Given that reducing access to federal funding will therefore have a detrimental impact on the public, NCARB urges the U.S. Department of Education to include architecture within the Department of Education’s list of professional study areas.
“For many centuries, the role of the architect has incorporated a unique blend of art, science, and technical skills that delivers public protection through design that is thoughtful and practical as well as effective and safe. The advanced knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent architectural services reinforces it as a “profession” that improves the built environment and advances our collective physical and mental well-being. Shrinking educational access will do a great disservice to current public interest and to future generations desiring to be architects.” - Edward T. Marley, 2025-26 NCARB President, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP
About NCARB
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ membership is made up of the architectural licensing boards of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCARB, in collaboration with these boards, facilitates the licensure and credentialing of architects to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
To achieve these goals, NCARB works with its Member Boards and volunteers to develop and facilitate standards for licensure, including the national examination and experience program. NCARB also recommends regulatory guidelines for licensing boards and helps architects expand their professional reach through the NCARB Certificate. Connect with NCARB on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
