Design at San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,459/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
17.9x earnings multiple (7.4x 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 | $604K | $594K | $551K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 18.2x | 17.9x | 16.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.5x | 7.4x | 6.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 44 | 43 | 52 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (7.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,832
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,904
81% growth from Year 1
About San Diego State University
Admission to San Diego State University is competitive, with 34% of applicants accepted, with 33,654 students enrolled in San Diego, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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 San Diego State 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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at San Diego State University?
At 43/100, 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 San Diego State 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 San Diego State University one of the best schools for Design?
Among 290 Design programs, San Diego State University's #72 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →