Design at Illinois State University
Normal, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,287/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
7.3x earnings multiple (4.2x 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 | $466K | $468K | $449K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.3x | 7.3x | 7.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.1x | 4.2x | 4.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 39 | 43 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,084
Out-of-state: $112,344 (4.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,375
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
About Illinois State University
With 89% of applicants admitted, Illinois State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 18,414 in Normal, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at Illinois State 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 Illinois State University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at Illinois State University?
At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design at Illinois State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →