Design at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Boston, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,706/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
9.8x earnings multiple (3.5x 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 | $596K | $587K | $545K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.0x | 9.8x | 9.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.5x | 3.5x | 3.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 30 | 30 | 37 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,840
Out-of-state: $168,720 (3.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,537
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,089
111% growth from Year 1
About Massachusetts College of Art and Design
A 77% acceptance rate means Massachusetts College of Art and Design is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,812 in Boston, MA.
See all programs and financial aid at Massachusetts College of Art and Design →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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design
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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
At 30/100, 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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
At $25,537 in median debt, graduates carry 12 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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design a good choice for Design despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Massachusetts College of Art and Design's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →