Design and Applied Arts at Robert Morris University

Moon Township, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,488/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #246 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 $544K $540K $507K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$139,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,988
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,110
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,488/yr, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Robert Morris University land near the $33,862 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 3.9x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$29,488 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #246 out of 290 programs, Robert Morris University's financial outcomes for Design and Applied Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,488 to $50,110 over five years (70% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Robert Morris University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Robert Morris University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 2,866 students in Moon Township, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Robert Morris University →

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 Robert Morris University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does Robert Morris University's Design and Applied Arts program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Design and Applied Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design and Applied Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design and Applied Arts careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →