Design at California State University-Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,378/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
20.0x earnings multiple (7.7x 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 | $604K | $595K | $551K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 20.3x | 20.0x | 18.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.8x | 7.7x | 7.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 43 | 43 | 52 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,748
Out-of-state: $77,268 (7.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,902
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,342
85% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Monterey Bay
A 95% acceptance rate means California State University-Monterey Bay is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,811 in Seaside, CA. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Monterey Bay →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 California State University-Monterey Bay
Consider the Trade Route?
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
What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at California State University-Monterey Bay?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design at California State University-Monterey Bay?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →