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Design and Applied Arts at Radford University

Radford, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,096/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #136 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs Top 50%

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	$502K	$501K	$476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.2x	9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.0x	5.0x	4.7x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	36	35	43

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$49,144

Out-of-state: $100,740 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$66,560

-35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,401

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Radford University's Design and Applied Arts program produces graduates earning $34,096/yr — within striking distance of the $33,862 national average for this field.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $27,000 against $34,096/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #136 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Radford University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 39% earnings increase from $34,096 to $47,401 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Radford University

A 91% acceptance rate means Radford University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,609 in Radford, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Radford 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

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Radford University?

At 35/100, 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 Radford 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 →