Designat Bradley University
Graduates earn $22,893/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $645K; scenarios range from $592K to $659K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Bradley University
Studying Design and Applied Arts at Bradley places you in a program often feeding into the regional Illinois market. While Peoria has design opportunities, the local economy may not support the higher salary benchmarks seen in major creative hubs. This can mean your initial roles, perhaps in corporate in-house teams or smaller regional agencies, might not command the same compensation as graduates from programs with stronger pipelines to top-tier agencies or tech companies in larger cities.
The high AI risk for many design roles further underscores the importance of strategic positioning. Your success will heavily depend on developing a highly specialized and distinctive portfolio that showcases unique creative problem-solving and skills less susceptible to automation. Focus on building strong networks, especially beyond the immediate area, and actively seek internships in larger markets to gain experience and connections that can open doors to more lucrative opportunities. Be proactive in shaping your career path to stand out in a competitive and evolving industry.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Bradley University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Design
How Bradley University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Bradley University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Bradley University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Design offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Design trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Design at Bradley University
How does Bradley University's Design program score?
This program scores 22/100 — 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 are Design earnings lower at Bradley University?
Lower starting pay at Bradley University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.