Home › Texas State University › Design and Applied Arts

Design and Applied Arts at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $44,396/yr (31% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #13 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	$603K	$593K	$550K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.2x	13.0x	12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.5x	6.4x	5.9x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	57	56	57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,800

Out-of-state: $92,840 (6.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,752

-44% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,000

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$62,197

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,396 put Texas State University's Design and Applied Arts program 31% above the national median of $33,862 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $23,000 against $44,396/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Texas State University ranks #13 among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 40% earnings increase from $44,396 to $62,197 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Texas State University

Texas State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas State 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

Compare Design and Applied Arts

Other Majors at Texas State 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

What does a 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Texas State University?

At 56/100, Texas State University'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 Texas State University?

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 Texas State University one of the best schools for Design and Applied Arts?

Among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, Texas State University's #13 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 →