Design at Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,784/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
8.6x earnings multiple (3.2x 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 | $554K | $549K | $514K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.7x | 8.6x | 8.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.2x | 3.2x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 40 | 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)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,997
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,108
47% growth from Year 1
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 40,243 students in East Lansing, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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 Michigan 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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at Michigan State University?
At 40/100, 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 Michigan 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 →