Designat University of Michigan-Flint
Graduates earn $18,339/yr in their first year — about 46.0% below the national Design average. Base-case 10-year earnings $502K; scenarios range from $476K to $503K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan-Flint
The earnings data for Design and Applied Arts at UM-Flint reflects the unique economic landscape of the region. Unlike major design hubs, the local labor market isn't saturated with high-paying tech or agency roles often fueling national averages for this field. Graduates frequently find opportunities in local businesses, educational institutions, or non-profits, which, while valuable, may not command the same salaries as positions in larger, more competitive design markets. The program likely prepares you for diverse creative roles, but strong industry pipelines to top-tier, high-paying design firms might be less common.
To truly maximize your earning potential in this field, focus relentlessly on building a portfolio that stands out nationally, and actively seek internships and networking opportunities in larger metropolitan areas. Your success will heavily depend on your willingness to expand your job search beyond the immediate region.
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 Michigan-Flint'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 Michigan-Flint stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan-Flint
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan-Flint, 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 Michigan-Flint
How does University of Michigan-Flint's Design program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Design. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Michigan-Flint Design graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Design to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Design earnings lower at University of Michigan-Flint?
Lower starting pay at University of Michigan-Flint may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.