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Design and Applied Arts at Taylor University

Upland, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,921/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #224 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 $413K $420K $410K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.7x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$156,416
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$97,308
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,921 track close to the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

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 $22,000 against $31,921/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #224 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Taylor University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Taylor University

Taylor University has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,890 students in Upland, IN. The average net cost of $97,308 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Taylor 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 Taylor University

Computer Science ($77,081) Accounting and Related Services ($61,164) Finance and Financial Management Services ($60,336) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($53,504) Marketing ($49,939) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,389) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($44,028) Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries ($37,035)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Design and Applied Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Taylor University?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at Taylor 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 →