Program Analysis
At $39,333 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Baylor University earn slightly above the $33,862 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $25,750 debt-to-$39,333 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #142 out of 290 programs, Baylor University's Design and Applied Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $39,333 to $62,970 over five years (60% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.