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Design and Applied Arts at University of the Arts

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,765/yr (-36% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #289 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 $565K $559K $522K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 17 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$217,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$176,616
19% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
14.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,447
118% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,765 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from University of the Arts earn below the $33,862 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 8% 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 a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #289 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places University of the Arts in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,765-to-$47,447 earnings arc over five years reflects a 118% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of the Arts

With 78% of applicants admitted, University of the Arts prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,064 students in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of the Arts →

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

Compare this program → View all 290 schools offering Design and Applied Arts →

Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Carnegie Mellon University ($66,274) University of Southern California ($64,846) University of Washington-Seattle Campus ($63,449) University of California-Los Angeles ($57,615) Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus ($52,694) University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ($52,526) Utah State University ($52,431) Interior Designers Institute ($51,188)

Other Majors at University of the Arts

Music ($20,543) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($17,674) Dance ($14,033) Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($12,085)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Design and Applied Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at University of the Arts?
At 17/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Design and Applied Arts degree from University of the Arts?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at University of the Arts?
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 the Arts a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of the Arts's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →