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Design and Applied Arts at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,930/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 16.5x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs Top 5%

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 $594K $586K $544K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.7x 16.5x 15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.6x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 59

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,580
Out-of-state: $127,068 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,724
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,375
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Design and Applied Arts program earn $44,930/yr in their first year — 33% above the $33,862 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 16.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $19,500 in median debt against $44,930 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh ranks #9 among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 37% earnings increase from $44,930 to $61,375 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh admits 40% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 26,389 in Raleigh, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina State University at Raleigh →

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)

Compare Design and Applied Arts

North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs University of Washington-Seattle Campus → North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs University of California-Los Angeles → North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus → North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs University of Cincinnati-Main Campus →

Other Majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Computer Science ($85,809) Computer Engineering ($82,997) Chemical Engineering ($81,492) Industrial Engineering ($81,055) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,687) Construction Engineering ($76,574) Nuclear Engineering ($74,540) Materials Engineering ($74,058)

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 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
At 59/100, North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Design and Applied Arts program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh one of the best schools for Design and Applied Arts?
Among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, North Carolina State University at Raleigh's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →