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Design and Applied Arts at Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,146/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #190 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	$458K	$461K	$443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.3x	11.4x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.8x	6.8x	6.6x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,500

Out-of-state: $67,464 (6.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,836

-21% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,868

8.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,793

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,146/yr, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Louisiana Tech University land near the $33,862 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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 $19,868 against $29,146/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #190 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Louisiana Tech University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 40% earnings increase from $29,146 to $40,793 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Louisiana Tech University

With 73% of applicants admitted, Louisiana Tech University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,819 in Ruston, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at Louisiana Tech 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 Louisiana Tech 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

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Louisiana Tech University?

At 28/100, 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 Louisiana Tech 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 →