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Design and Applied Arts at Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,375/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #243 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 $385K $394K $389K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 10.2x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.1x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,488
Out-of-state: $64,628 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,556
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,000
14.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,713
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,375 place Shawnee State University below the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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 -1% 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 a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #243 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Shawnee State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 26% earnings increase from $24,375 to $30,713 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Shawnee State University

a smaller institution with 2,300 students in Portsmouth, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Shawnee State 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

Compare this program → View all 290 schools offering Design and Applied Arts →

Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Carnegie Mellon University ($66,274) University of Southern California ($64,846) University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($63,449) University of California-Los Angeles ($57,615) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($52,694) University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ($52,526) Utah State University ($52,431) Interior Designers Institute ($51,188)

Other Majors at Shawnee State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($67,126) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($57,682) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($50,391) Health and Medical Administrative Services ($45,324) Management Information Systems and Services ($42,673) Special Education and Teaching ($37,020) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($36,224) Accounting and Related Services ($35,827)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Design and Applied Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Shawnee State University?
At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Design and Applied Arts degree from Shawnee State University?
At $29,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at Shawnee 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 Shawnee State University a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Shawnee State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →