Program Analysis
University of Maryland-Baltimore County's Design and Applied Arts program produces graduates earning $34,020/yr — within striking distance of the $33,862 national average for this field.
At 8.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $20,250 debt-to-$34,020 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #173 out of 290 programs, University of Maryland-Baltimore County's financial outcomes for Design and Applied Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $34,020 to $38,986 over five years (15% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.