Program Analysis
Graduates earn $31,122/yr, roughly in line with the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 5.5x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Design and Applied Arts's typical career paths, with 38% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 0% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $20,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $31,122 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #189 of 290 Design and Applied Arts programs, Upper Iowa University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.