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Design and Applied Arts at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Indiana, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,981/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (8.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #92 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs Top 50%

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	$561K	$555K	$519K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.2x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.6x	8.5x	8.0x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	41	49

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,520

Out-of-state: $65,188 (8.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,864

-51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

9.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,226

55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,981 track close to the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $27,000 against $34,981/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #92 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $34,981-to-$54,226 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,893 students in Indiana, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus →

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

Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus?

At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →