Design at University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings
$38,637/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
13.2x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $517K | $515K | $486K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 13.3x | 13.2x | 12.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 6.0x | 5.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 46 | 46 | 50 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,912
Out-of-state: $85,088 (6.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,965
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,416
30% growth from Year 1
About University of Northern Iowa
With 94% of applicants admitted, University of Northern Iowa prioritizes broad access, enrolling 7,599 students in Cedar Falls, IA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Iowa →Top Career Paths
Art directors
$111,040/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary
$101,480/yr
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Design at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Northern Iowa
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design at University of Northern Iowa?
At 46/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design at University of Northern Iowa?
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.
Is University of Northern Iowa one of the best schools for Design?
Among 290 Design programs, University of Northern Iowa's #54 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →