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Design and Applied Arts at University of Delaware

Newark, DE · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,585/yr (26% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)

ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #21 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs Top 10%

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	$690K	$674K	$615K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.7x	10.5x	9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.2x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	63%	57%	46%
DegreeOutlook Score	55	54	56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$64,320

Out-of-state: $158,880 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$67,724

-5% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$70,925

67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,585 put University of Delaware's Design and Applied Arts program 26% above the national median of $33,862 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 10.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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 $26,000 against $42,585/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #21 of 290 programs, this Design and Applied Arts program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $42,585-to-$70,925 earnings arc over five years reflects a 67% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Delaware

A 65% admission rate makes University of Delaware accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving 18,812 students in Newark, DE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Delaware →

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

Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Delaware

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 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at University of Delaware?

At 54/100, University of Delaware's Design and Applied Arts program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at University of Delaware?

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 →