Designat Samford University
Graduates earn $41,323/yr in their first year — about 22.0% above the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $482K; scenarios range from $460K to $481K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Samford University
First-year earnings of $41,323 at Samford University come in 22% above the national median of $33,862 for Design programs.
At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.
The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Design career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $23,250 against $41,323/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #121 ranking among 290 Design programs places Samford University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
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 Samford 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 Samford University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Samford University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Samford 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 Samford University
What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at Samford University?
At 37/100, 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 Samford 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.