Designat Dominican University
Graduates earn $22,938/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $361K; scenarios range from $362K to $349K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Dominican University
The earnings data for Dominican University's Design and Applied Arts program might seem concerning, especially given the national averages for this field. This isn't uncommon for smaller, private liberal arts institutions, which often prioritize a broad education over hyper-specialized vocational training. While Chicago offers a vibrant design market, graduates from programs like this often find themselves competing for entry-level roles without the direct industry pipelines of larger art schools.
Your initial career path might involve in-house design for local businesses, smaller agencies, or non-profit organizations where starting salaries can be modest. The high AI risk indicated also suggests some traditional design roles are seeing downward pressure. To thrive, you'll need to proactively build a highly specialized portfolio, seek out internships with top-tier firms, and actively network to secure roles in the more lucrative areas of UI/UX, product design, or motion graphics right from the start.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Dominican University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Design
How Dominican University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Dominican University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Dominican University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Design offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Design trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Design at Dominican University
What does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at Dominican University?
At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Design degree from Dominican University?
At $26,344 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design at Dominican University?
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 Dominican University a good choice for Design despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Dominican University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Design at Dominican University?
The 60% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $151,376. At a net cost of $60,452, the earnings multiple improves substantially.