Design at Moore College of Art and Design

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,587/yr (-39% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #287 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

Program Analysis

Moore College, a smaller specialized institution in Philadelphia, places its Design and Applied Arts graduates into a regional market that often doesn't command the same starting salaries as major design hubs. While the curriculum prepares you for a broad range of creative roles, many graduates find themselves in smaller local agencies, non-profits, or pursuing freelance work where compensation starts lower. The program may emphasize artistic development, but securing those top-tier "Art Director" or "Special Effects Artist" positions often requires significant networking, portfolio building, and sometimes relocating to more competitive, higher-paying markets beyond Philly. Given the high AI risk in many design fields, focusing on unique problem-solving, strategic thinking, and advanced technical skills that complement AI tools, rather than competing directly, will be crucial for your long-term earning potential.

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 $560K $555K $519K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 17 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$201,116
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$173,476
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
15.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,147
124% growth from Year 1

About Moore College of Art and Design

Moore College of Art and Design accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 390 students in Philadelphia, PA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Moore 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
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Design at Other Schools

Other Majors at Moore College of Art and Design

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 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at Moore College of Art and Design?
At 17/100, 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 Moore College of Art and Design?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 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 Moore 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 Moore College of Art and Design a good choice for Design despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Moore 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 →