Design and Applied Arts at Susquehanna University

Selinsgrove, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,510/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #124 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs Top 50%

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 $620K $610K $563K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$229,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,156
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,532
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Susquehanna University's Design and Applied Arts program earn $42,510/yr in their first year — 26% above the $33,862 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$42,510 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #124 out of 290 programs, Susquehanna University's Design and Applied Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,510 to $63,532 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,120 students in Selinsgrove, PA. The average net cost of $106,156 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Susquehanna 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

Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Susquehanna University

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does Susquehanna University's Design and Applied Arts program score?
This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Design and Applied Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design and Applied Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design and Applied Arts careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Design and Applied Arts at Susquehanna University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $229,600, but the average net cost is $106,156 — a 54% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →