Designat North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Graduates earn $44,930/yr in their first year — about 33.0% above the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $586K; scenarios range from $544K to $594K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at NC State
North Carolina State's Design and Applied Arts program consistently stands out, a testament to its strong curriculum and strategic location within the vibrant Research Triangle Park. This isn't merely a traditional art program; it's deeply integrated with NC State's robust engineering and technology ecosystem. You'll likely find a practical, problem-solving emphasis, particularly in areas like industrial design, user experience (UX), and digital interfaces. This focus directly aligns with the significant demand from local tech companies, startups, and creative agencies, which frequently recruit from the program. The proximity to major employers creates robust internship and direct hiring pipelines, ensuring graduates are well-positioned for roles blending aesthetics with functionality. While the design landscape is evolving rapidly with AI, developing strong conceptual thinking, mastering new tools, and showcasing adaptable skills through your portfolio will be crucial. Your key takeaway: relentlessly pursue internships and build a diverse, project-based portfolio demonstrating your ability to solve real-world design challenges.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to NC State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Design
How NC State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at NC State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at NC State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Design offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Design trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Design at NC State
What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
At 59/100, North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Design program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh one of the best schools for Design?
Among 290 Design programs, North Carolina State University at Raleigh's #9 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.