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Design and Applied Arts at Moore College of Art and Design

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,587/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #287 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 $560K $555K $519K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 17 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$201,116
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$173,476
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,147
124% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $20,587 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Moore College of Art and Design earn below the $33,862 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #287 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Moore College of Art and Design in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,587-to-$46,147 earnings arc over five years reflects a 124% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Moore College of Art and Design

Moore College of Art and Design accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 390 students in Philadelphia, PA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Moore 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

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 Moore College of Art and Design

Visual and Performing Arts, General ($27,107)

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 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Moore College of Art and Design?
At 17/100, 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 Moore College of Art and Design?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 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 Moore 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 Moore College of Art and Design a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Moore 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 →