Designat University of Delaware
Graduates earn $42,585/yr in their first year — about 26.0% above the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $674K; scenarios range from $615K to $690K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Delaware
First-year earnings of $42,585 put University of Delaware's Design 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 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 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.
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 University of Delaware'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 University of Delaware stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Delaware
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Delaware, 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 University of Delaware
What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at University of Delaware?
At 54/100, University of Delaware'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 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.