Program Analysis
At $15,985 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from School of Visual Arts earn below the $33,862 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
The 3.4x 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $15,985 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #280 out of 290 programs, School of Visual Arts's financial outcomes for Design and Applied Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $15,985 to $50,431 over five years (215% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.