Home › Academy of Art University › Design Engineering Technologies

Design Engineering Technologies at Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,978/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #9 of 9 Design Engineering Technologies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design Engineering Technologies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $527K $523K $488K
Earnings Multiple 4.7x 4.7x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$112,096
Median Debt at Graduation
$40,171
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,978/yr, roughly in line with the $56,836 national median for Design Engineering Technologies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 4.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $40,171 debt-to-$48,978 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

With only 9 programs offering Design Engineering Technologies nationally, this is a niche field. Academy of Art University ranks #9 among them.

About Academy of Art University

with a smaller student body of 4,131 in San Francisco, CA. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Academy of Art University →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720/yr
Mechanical drafters $68,510/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 9 schools offering Design Engineering Technologies →

Design Engineering Technologies at Other Schools

Trine University ($65,013) Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses ($65,013) Central Michigan University ($63,862) University of Central Missouri ($60,774) Western Michigan University ($60,153) Pennsylvania College of Technology ($57,854) Murray State University ($53,085) Indiana University-Indianapolis ($36,798)

Other Majors at Academy of Art University

Computer Software and Media Applications ($45,387) Visual and Performing Arts, General ($28,494) Apparel and Textiles ($27,630) Graphic Communications ($27,481) Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($25,425) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($23,354) Design and Applied Arts ($20,829) Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($20,798)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Design Engineering Technologies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Academy of Art University's Design Engineering Technologies program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Design Engineering Technologies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design Engineering Technologies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design Engineering Technologies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →