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Design and Applied Arts at Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,078/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 18.1x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #67 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	$690K	$673K	$615K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.6x	18.1x	16.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.2x	6.0x	5.5x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	45	54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,144

Out-of-state: $111,412 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$74,720

-101% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,833

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$64,470

107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,078 track close to the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 18.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $19,833 against $31,078/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Western Washington University ranks #67 among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $31,078-to-$64,470 earnings arc over five years reflects a 107% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Washington University

Western Washington University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 13,574 students in Bellingham, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Washington 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

Other Majors at Western Washington University

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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Western Washington University?

At 45/100, 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 Western Washington 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 Western Washington University one of the best schools for Design and Applied Arts?

Among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, Western Washington University's #67 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 →