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Design and Applied Arts at Laguna College of Art and Design

Laguna Beach, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,785/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 4.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #221 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	$619K	$608K	$562K
Earnings Multiple	4.3x	4.3x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$142,600

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$169,416

-19% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,145

102% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Laguna College of Art and Design's Design and Applied Arts graduates start at $27,785/yr, trailing the $33,862 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 4.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 9% 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 $27,785/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #221 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Laguna College of Art and Design in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $27,785-to-$56,145 earnings arc over five years reflects a 102% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Laguna College of Art and Design

A 78% acceptance rate means Laguna College of Art and Design is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 776 students in Laguna Beach, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Laguna College of Art and Design →

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 Laguna College of Art and Design

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Laguna College of Art and Design?

At 25/100, 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 Laguna College of Art and Design?

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 Laguna College of Art and Design a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Laguna College of Art and Design'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 →