Design and Applied Arts at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,702/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #151 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs

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 $412K $418K $409K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.3x 11.4x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 4.0x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,568
Out-of-state: $104,392 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,044
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,929
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $31,702/yr, roughly in line with the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% 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 $18,929 against $31,702/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #151 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places University of Nevada-Las Vegas in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Nevada-Las Vegas

University of Nevada-Las Vegas accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 24,131 students in Las Vegas, NV. 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nevada-Las Vegas →

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 Nevada-Las Vegas

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at University of Nevada-Las Vegas?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at University of Nevada-Las Vegas?
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 →