Program Analysis
Art Center College of Design Design and Applied Arts graduates command $47,053/yr out of the gate, well above the $33,862 national median. That 39% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.
The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $31,000 debt-to-$47,053 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #32 out of 290 programs, Art Center College of Design's Design and Applied Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth from $47,053 to $81,385 over five years (73% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.