Design at Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,002
42% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Design 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 program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Design. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design 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 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 →