Designat Texas State University
Graduates earn $44,396/yr in their first year — about 31.0% above the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $593K; scenarios range from $550K to $603K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Texas State University
The robust earnings potential you see for Texas State's Design and Applied Arts program isn't accidental. It reflects the program's strategic location in the dynamic Austin-San Antonio corridor, a growing hub for tech, gaming, and creative agencies. This regional demand significantly drives up salaries for skilled designers, particularly in high-growth areas like UI/UX, digital product design, and animation, which align with the impressive career paths listed. Companies throughout Central Texas actively recruit from Texas State, recognizing the program's reputation for producing job-ready talent. To maximize your financial outlook and navigate the evolving landscape, focus your portfolio on interdisciplinary projects and secure internships that build expertise in emerging digital design fields.
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 Texas State 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 Texas State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Texas State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Texas State 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 Texas State University
What does a 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at Texas State University?
At 56/100, Texas State University's Design program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design at Texas 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.
Is Texas State University one of the best schools for Design?
Among 290 Design programs, Texas State University's #13 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.