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Design and Applied Arts at Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,583/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #218 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 $353K $365K $365K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.0x 8.3x 8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.9x 3.0x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 63% 57% 46%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,100
Out-of-state: $122,940 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,160
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,316
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,583 place Western Oregon University below the $33,862 national median for Design and Applied Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -3% 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 $21,316 against $23,583/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #218 ranking among 290 Design and Applied Arts programs places Western Oregon University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 3,211 students in Monmouth, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Oregon University →

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 Western Oregon University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($51,703) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,845) Education, General ($43,879) Business/Commerce, General ($42,281) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($40,289) Information Science/Studies ($39,320) Communication and Media Studies ($37,600) Public Health ($35,701)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Design and Applied Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Western Oregon University?
At 26/100, 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 Western Oregon University?
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 Western Oregon University a good choice for Design and Applied Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Oregon University'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 →