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Design and Applied Arts at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,285/yr (-40% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #186 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design and Applied Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $495K $495K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.5x 14.5x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.5x 8.5x 8.1x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,032
Out-of-state: $58,008 (8.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,684
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,950
17.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,422
99% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,285/yr fall 40% below the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 14.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Design and Applied Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.4x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #186 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Arkansas Tech University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,285-to-$40,422 earnings arc over five years reflects a 99% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,993 students in Russellville, AR.

See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas Tech University →

Top Career Paths

Art directors $111,040/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary $101,480/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 290 schools offering Design and Applied Arts →

Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Carnegie Mellon University ($66,274) University of Southern California ($64,846) University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($63,449) University of California-Los Angeles ($57,615) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($52,694) University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ($52,526) Utah State University ($52,431) Interior Designers Institute ($51,188)

Other Majors at Arkansas Tech University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($71,878) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($68,794) Mechanical Engineering ($68,765) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($45,904) Agricultural Business and Management ($44,810) Business/Managerial Economics ($44,146) Homeland Security ($43,090) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($41,160)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Design and Applied Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Arkansas Tech University?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Design and Applied Arts degree from Arkansas Tech University?
At $28,950 in median debt, graduates carry 17 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at Arkansas Tech University?
The 38% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Arkansas Tech University a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Arkansas Tech University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →