Designat Park University
Graduates earn $46,340/yr in their first year — about 37.0% above the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $515K; scenarios range from $486K to $517K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Park University
The impressive earnings data for Park's Design and Applied Arts program reflects a strong alignment with the thriving Kansas City metro market. This isn't just about general design; it suggests the curriculum emphasizes practical, in-demand digital skills crucial for the region's growing tech, advertising, and corporate sectors. You're likely gaining expertise in areas like UI/UX, digital marketing, and multimedia production, which are highly valued by local employers. Companies across the Kansas City area, from creative agencies to in-house corporate design teams and burgeoning startups, frequently recruit graduates with strong portfolios showcasing these capabilities, pointing to effective career preparation and networking pipelines from the program. While the field faces high AI risk, focusing intensely on creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and developing a versatile, high-quality portfolio will be your key to a successful, adaptable career in this dynamic market.
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 Park University'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 Park University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Park University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Park University, 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 Park University
What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at Park University?
At 46/100, 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 Park 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 Park University one of the best schools for Design?
Among 290 Design programs, Park University's #56 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.