Design at California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,240/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
19.4x earnings multiple (7.6x 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 | $598K | $589K | $546K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 19.7x | 19.4x | 18.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.7x | 7.6x | 7.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 45 | 44 | 53 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,408
Out-of-state: $77,928 (7.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,750
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,723
76% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Sacramento
California State University-Sacramento has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 27,867 students in Sacramento, CA. 49% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Sacramento →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-Sacramento
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 does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at California State University-Sacramento?
At 44/100, 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-Sacramento?
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.
Is California State University-Sacramento one of the best schools for Design?
Among 290 Design programs, California State University-Sacramento's #69 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →