Design at Radford University
Radford, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
43
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,401
39% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Design at Other Schools
Other Majors at Radford University
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 at Radford University?
At 35/100, 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 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 →