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Design and Applied Arts at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,508/yr (11% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #55 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs Top 25%

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	$580K	$573K	$533K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.4x	12.2x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.9x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$46,800

Out-of-state: $117,648 (4.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,460

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,249

53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,508 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from University of Kansas earn slightly above the $33,862 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $26,000 against $37,508/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Kansas ranks #55 among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $37,508-to-$57,249 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Kansas

With 88% of applicants admitted, University of Kansas prioritizes broad access, serving 19,857 students in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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 University of Kansas

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at University of Kansas?

At 46/100, 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 University of Kansas?

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

Among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, University of Kansas's #55 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 →