Design at SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,252/yr (-40% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #217 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for this Design and Applied Arts program often reflects the regional labor market in areas like Utica, where the concentration of high-paying creative roles is typically lower than in major metropolitan design hubs. Local opportunities might lean towards smaller agencies, in-house marketing for regional businesses, or general design services, which can lead to more modest entry-level salaries compared to national averages. Given the broad nature of "Design and Applied Arts" and the high AI risk in the field, your post-graduation success hinges on cultivating highly specialized skills and a distinctive portfolio. Focus on developing unique problem-solving abilities, advanced technical proficiencies, or a niche artistic style that AI cannot easily replicate. Actively pursuing internships, networking beyond the local market, and building a strong, specialized portfolio is crucial for navigating this competitive landscape and unlocking more lucrative opportunities.

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 $329K $343K $348K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.6x 10.0x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.2x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,312
Out-of-state: $80,912 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,528
-62% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About SUNY Polytechnic Institute

SUNY Polytechnic Institute has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,773 in Utica, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Polytechnic Institute →

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 at Other Schools

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Design at SUNY Polytechnic Institute?
A score of 26/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Design. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Design careers?
With 38% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $347,734 in decade earnings vs $329,453 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Design from SUNY Polytechnic Institute?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →