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Design and Applied Arts at The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,629/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #207 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 $530K $526K $496K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.1x 9.0x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,256
Out-of-state: $160,256 (3.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,740
-20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,750
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,230
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,629 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from The University of Texas at Dallas earn below the $33,862 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 $19,750 against $26,629/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #207 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places The University of Texas at Dallas in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,629-to-$47,230 earnings arc over five years reflects a 77% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas accepts 65% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 21,317 students in Richardson, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Dallas →

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)

Other Majors at The University of Texas at Dallas

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,928) Computer Engineering ($77,609) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($72,472) Finance and Financial Management Services ($63,455) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($61,303) Mechanical Engineering ($61,113) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($58,916) Mathematics ($58,238)

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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at The University of Texas at Dallas?
At 27/100, 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 The University of Texas at Dallas?
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 The University of Texas at Dallas a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at Dallas'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 →