Design at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,160/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 19.2x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #130 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

The earnings trajectory for this program largely reflects the regional labor market in Fresno, which, while growing, isn't a major hub for high-paying design and creative industries like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Most local opportunities tend to be with smaller agencies or in-house marketing departments for regional businesses, which typically offer lower starting salaries. The program likely provides a solid generalist foundation, but you'll need to proactively build a highly specialized portfolio to compete for the more lucrative roles often found in larger metropolitan areas, especially those in UI/UX or animation. Given the high AI risk for many design functions, focus on developing unique, strategic skills that artificial intelligence cannot easily replicate. To maximize your potential, seek out remote internships or co-ops with companies outside the Central Valley, or plan to relocate after graduation.

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 $540K $536K $504K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.4x 19.2x 18.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.1x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,920
Out-of-state: $75,440 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,920
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,735
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,255
100% growth from Year 1

About California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 21,070 students enrolled in Fresno, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fresno →

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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Fresno

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Design at California State University-Fresno?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Design. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Design careers?
With 38% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $503,922 in decade earnings vs $540,433 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Design from California State University-Fresno?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →