Design and Applied Arts at University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,339/yr (-46% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #232 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 $503K $502K $476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.0x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,056
Out-of-state: $125,096 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,120
12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,695
18.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,767
117% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Michigan-Flint's Design and Applied Arts graduates start at $18,339/yr, trailing the $33,862 national average by 46%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 9.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,695 debt load exceeds a year of the $18,339 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #232 out of 290 programs, University of Michigan-Flint's financial outcomes for Design and Applied Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $18,339 to $39,767 over five years (117% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Michigan-Flint

University of Michigan-Flint's 69% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,157 students in Flint, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Flint →

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 Michigan-Flint

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Michigan-Flint's Design and Applied Arts program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Design and Applied Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Michigan-Flint Design and Applied Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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.
Why are Design and Applied Arts earnings lower at University of Michigan-Flint?
Lower starting pay at University of Michigan-Flint may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →