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Design and Applied Arts at Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,517/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #187 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	$382K	$391K	$386K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.3x	10.6x	10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.4x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,016

Out-of-state: $88,880 (4.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$46,052

-24% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,750

10.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $27,517 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Purdue University Fort Wayne earn below the $33,862 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -1% 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 $24,750 against $27,517/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #187 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Purdue University Fort Wayne in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Purdue University Fort Wayne

With 86% of applicants admitted, Purdue University Fort Wayne prioritizes broad access, serving 5,450 students in Fort Wayne, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Purdue University Fort Wayne →

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 Purdue University Fort Wayne

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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Purdue University Fort Wayne?

At 28/100, 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 Purdue University Fort Wayne?

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 Purdue University Fort Wayne a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Purdue University Fort Wayne'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 →