Designat Syracuse University
Graduates earn $46,181/yr in their first year — about 36.0% above the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $611K; scenarios range from $564K to $621K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Syracuse University
You've noticed the robust career outcomes for Syracuse's Design and Applied Arts program, which are notably strong within this field. This isn't accidental; the university often fosters a curriculum with a practical, industry-aligned focus, preparing you for immediate entry into professional roles. Graduates frequently leverage the program's strong reputation and alumni network to land positions at leading design agencies, major tech companies for UX/UI roles, or within in-house creative departments across diverse industries. The emphasis here is on translating creative vision into tangible, marketable products and experiences.
The school's connections, often extending far beyond upstate New York into major design hubs, play a significant role in these placements. As you plan your studies, prioritize developing a versatile portfolio that showcases strategic thinking and problem-solving alongside your aesthetic skills. This will be crucial for navigating an evolving creative landscape and excelling in roles where human-centric design remains paramount, even amidst technological shifts.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Syracuse University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Design
How Syracuse University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Syracuse University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Syracuse University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Design offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Design trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Design at Syracuse University
How does Syracuse University's Design program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Design. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design 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.