Design at University of Akron Main Campus
Akron, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,856/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
9.8x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
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 | $505K | $504K | $477K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.9x | 9.8x | 9.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.3x | 7.3x | 6.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 43 | 43 | 46 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,196
Out-of-state: $68,956 (7.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,937
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,246
24% growth from Year 1
About University of Akron Main Campus
A 71% acceptance rate means University of Akron Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 10,011 students in Akron, OH.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Akron Main Campus →Top Career Paths
Art directors
$111,040/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary
$101,480/yr
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Design at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Akron Main Campus
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
What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at University of Akron Main Campus?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design at University of Akron Main Campus?
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 →