Design at Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,970/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
15.9x earnings multiple (8.9x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $493K | $493K | $469K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.9x | 15.9x | 15.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 8.9x | 8.9x | 8.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 43 | 43 | 49 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,016
Out-of-state: $55,304 (8.9x ROI)
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,812
30% growth from Year 1
About Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University's 70% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 7,994 in Jonesboro, AR.
See all programs and financial aid at Arkansas State University →Top Career Paths
Art directors
$111,040/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary
$101,480/yr
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Design at Other Schools
Other Majors at Arkansas State University
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
How does Arkansas State University's Design program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Design. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design 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 does Arkansas State University rank so high for Design?
The #71 ranking out of 290 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →