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Design and Applied Arts at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,637/yr (14% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #54 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	$517K	$515K	$486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.3x	13.2x	12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.0x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	46	50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,965

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,416

30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,637 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn slightly above the $33,862 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 13.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $21,965 against $38,637/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Northern Iowa ranks #54 among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 30% earnings increase from $38,637 to $50,416 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Northern Iowa

With 94% of applicants admitted, University of Northern Iowa prioritizes broad access, enrolling 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →

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 Northern Iowa

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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at University of Northern Iowa?

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 Northern Iowa?

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 Northern Iowa one of the best schools for Design and Applied Arts?

Among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, University of Northern Iowa's #54 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 →