Design at Clark Atlanta University

Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,974/yr (-38% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #282 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

Program Analysis

Entering the design and applied arts field through Clark Atlanta presents a unique set of challenges you'll need to proactively navigate. While Atlanta offers a vibrant creative scene, the data suggests graduates face significant hurdles in securing immediate, well-compensated roles that align with the high-paying career paths listed. This often stems from intense competition for entry-level positions, potentially a program focus that leans more theoretical than applied, or a lack of robust, employer-integrated recruiting pipelines with top local agencies or tech firms. Many graduates may find themselves in less direct design roles initially, or take longer to build the necessary portfolio and connections to reach those lucrative art director or animator positions. The high AI risk further emphasizes the need for unique human creativity and strategic problem-solving. To succeed, you must aggressively build an exceptional, industry-aligned portfolio throughout your studies and actively pursue multiple internships to gain crucial real-world experience and networking connections before 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 $374K $384K $381K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.6x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 17 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$105,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,460
-33% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,500
15.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,479
36% growth from Year 1

About Clark Atlanta University

A 65% admission rate makes Clark Atlanta University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 3,482 in Atlanta, GA. Pell Grant recipients make up 69% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Clark Atlanta University →

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 Clark Atlanta 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Design at Clark Atlanta University?
A score of 17/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Design. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Design at Clark Atlanta University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $26,500 against $20,974/yr starting salary means roughly 1.3 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
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 $380,632 in decade earnings vs $373,889 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Design from Clark Atlanta University?
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 →