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Design and Applied Arts at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,027/yr (-23% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #177 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	$589K	$581K	$540K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.0x	9.8x	9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.0x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	30	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)

$59,064

Out-of-state: $96,504 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,636

4% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,375

11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,388

101% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,027/yr fall 23% below the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

A 9.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% 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 $25,375 against $26,027/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #177 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Montclair State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,027-to-$52,388 earnings arc over five years reflects a 101% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Montclair State University

Montclair State University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair State 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 Montclair State 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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Montclair State University?

At 30/100, 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 Montclair 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.

Is Montclair State University a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Montclair State University'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 →