Design and Applied Arts at Coastal Carolina University

Conway, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,076/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.4x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #233 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design and Applied Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $434K $439K $425K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.3x 9.4x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.7x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,560
Out-of-state: $118,512 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,968
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,002
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,076 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Coastal Carolina University earn below the $33,862 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 9.4x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$26,076 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #233 out of 290 programs, Coastal Carolina University's financial outcomes for Design and Applied Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $26,076 to $37,002 shows 42% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Coastal Carolina University

With 80% of applicants admitted, Coastal Carolina University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 9,909 students in Conway, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Coastal Carolina 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 and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Coastal Carolina 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

How does Coastal Carolina University's Design and Applied Arts program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Design and Applied Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design and Applied Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design and Applied Arts 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 and Applied Arts earnings lower at Coastal Carolina University?
Lower starting pay at Coastal Carolina University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →