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Design and Applied Arts at Saint Edward's University

Austin, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,589/yr (-10% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

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

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #274 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

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	$472K	$474K	$454K
Earnings Multiple	2.3x	2.3x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	20	19	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$205,536

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,544

54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$42,871

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,589/yr, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Saint Edward's University land near the $33,862 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% 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 $26,000 against $30,589/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #274 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Saint Edward's University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 40% earnings increase from $30,589 to $42,871 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Saint Edward's University

With 84% of applicants admitted, Saint Edward's University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,729 in Austin, TX. The average net cost of $94,544 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Edward's 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

Other Majors at Saint Edward's University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Saint Edward's University?

At 19/100, 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 Saint Edward's 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.

What do students actually pay for Design and Applied Arts at Saint Edward's University?

The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $205,536. At a net cost of $94,544, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →