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Design and Applied Arts at Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,351/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)

ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #99 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs Top 50%

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	$537K	$533K	$501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.4x	10.4x	9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.0x	6.0x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,384

Out-of-state: $89,264 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$78,456

-53% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,096

43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $36,351 at Kent State University at Kent come in 7% above the national median of $33,862 for Design and Applied Arts programs.

With a 10.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Design and Applied Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,000 against $36,351/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #99 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Kent State University at Kent in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 43% earnings increase from $36,351 to $52,096 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Kent State University at Kent

Kent State University at Kent accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 19,134 students in Kent, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Kent State University at Kent →

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 Kent State University at Kent

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Kent State University at Kent?

At 40/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at Kent State University at Kent?

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 →