Design and Applied Arts at Lasell University

Newton, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,661/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #239 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

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 $483K $484K $461K
Earnings Multiple 4.6x 4.7x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$104,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$99,776
4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,722
47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $29,661/yr, roughly in line with the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 4.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$29,661 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #239 out of 290 programs, Lasell University'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 $29,661 to $43,722 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Lasell University

Lasell University accepts 82% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 1,152 students in Newton, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Lasell University →

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 Lasell 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 Lasell University's Design and Applied Arts program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Design and Applied Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design and Applied Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design and Applied Arts 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →