Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $27,970 place Columbus College of Art & Design below the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$27,970 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #281 out of 290 programs, Columbus College of Art & Design'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 $27,970 to $40,747 shows 46% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.