Design at South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,944/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
14.0x earnings multiple (10.2x 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 | $525K | $522K | $492K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.1x | 14.0x | 13.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 10.2x | 10.2x | 9.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 44 | 43 | 49 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,196
Out-of-state: $51,236 (10.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,581
41% growth from Year 1
About South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,798 students in Brookings, SD.
See all programs and financial aid at South Dakota 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 South Dakota State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →