Designat University of California-Los Angeles
Graduates earn $57,615/yr in their first year — about 70.0% above the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $749K; scenarios range from $676K to $773K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at UCLA
UCLA's prestigious Design and Applied Arts program offers a significant advantage from its location in Los Angeles, a global epicenter for entertainment, digital media, and innovation. This unique synergy positions graduates for highly competitive roles and strong professional value. You'll find direct pathways into dynamic fields like visual development, user experience design, and animation, often within major studios, innovative tech companies, and leading design agencies right in your backyard. The program's rigorous curriculum and strong industry connections mean you’re not just learning theory, but gaining practical skills highly sought after by employers. While emerging AI tools are rapidly reshaping aspects of creative work, the program emphasizes critical thinking, strategic problem-solving, and unique artistic vision that remain invaluable. To truly thrive in this evolving landscape, focus on building an exceptionally versatile portfolio and actively networking with industry professionals throughout your studies.
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 UCLA'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 UCLA stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at UCLA
Other highest-scoring programs offered at UCLA, 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 UCLA
What does a 67/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at University of California-Los Angeles?
At 67/100, University of California-Los Angeles'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 University of California-Los Angeles?
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 University of California-Los Angeles one of the best schools for Design?
Among 290 Design programs, University of California-Los Angeles's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.