On-campus Design & applied arts Bachelor’s degree

464 programs — 230 with federal cost data, the rest suppressed for small class sizes and listed after them, ordered by median debt against median earnings — lowest first.

Data last updated

Specific program

Schools file the same degree under different federal codes — Berklee’s music production sits under “Music, Other”, Academy of Art’s under “Recording Arts”. These groups gather every code a program is actually filed under.

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On-campus Design & applied arts Bachelor’s degree ranked by debt-to-earnings ratio
InstitutionProgramcredential and deliveryat completion4 yrs after
University of Washington-Seattle CampusWA · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$12,250$89,19314%
CUNY New York City College of TechnologyNY · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$8,832$52,56217%
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,500$138,58818%
University of Southern CaliforniaCA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$18,000$89,02220%
Belmont UniversityTN · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$12,500$58,31421%
Utah Valley UniversityUT · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$12,500$55,72822%
Brigham Young UniversityUT · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$12,065$52,92923%
University of Notre DameIN · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,250$83,41423%
University of California-DavisCA · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$14,924$62,20924%
California State University-Long BeachCA · PublicRequest information →Design and Applied Arts, OtherBachelor’s degree · On campus$16,500$66,43525%
San Francisco State UniversityCA · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$15,000$59,67825%
The University of Texas at AustinTX · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$18,000$69,84626%
University of Wisconsin-MadisonWI · PublicRequest information →Game and Interactive Media DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$17,875$65,87427%
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignIL · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$18,178$65,18628%
Washington University in St LouisMO · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,089$67,77128%
Western Washington UniversityWA · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,833$69,71528%
California State University-Monterey BayCA · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$13,902$48,63929%
University of California-Los AngelesCA · PublicRequest information →Design and Applied Arts, OtherBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,000$66,25929%
Boston UniversityMA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,000$72,80929%
Northeastern UniversityMA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,500$87,33629%
California State University-SacramentoCA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$15,750$53,87129%
University of Central OklahomaOK · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$15,875$53,92729%
University of FloridaFL · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,839$65,65630%
Chapman UniversityCA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$23,823$78,12130%
University of South FloridaFL · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$17,000$54,77031%
Park UniversityMO · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$15,000$48,10531%
North Carolina State University at RaleighNC · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,500$61,38232%
CUNY Queens CollegeNY · PublicRequest information →Design and Applied Arts, OtherBachelor’s degree · On campus$14,250$44,83532%
Ohio State University-Main CampusOH · PublicRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,694$68,15132%
Farmingdale State CollegeNY · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$17,250$53,89632%
Weber State UniversityUT · PublicRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$20,500$62,28133%
Purdue University-Main CampusIN · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,500$58,91733%
University of ArkansasAR · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$22,750$65,78035%
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionAZ · PublicRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$20,702$59,64135%
Washington State UniversityWA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,604$69,22436%
Oregon State UniversityOR · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,500$60,43436%
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusOH · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,500$71,60536%
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMN · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$22,500$62,41436%
Seattle Pacific UniversityWA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,000$68,54736%
University of Nevada-Las VegasNV · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$18,929$51,43737%
California State University-San BernardinoCA · PublicRequest information →Design and Applied Arts, OtherBachelor’s degree · On campus$15,669$42,46837%
University of HoustonTX · PublicRequest information →Industrial and Product DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,000$64,61237%
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaCA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$20,825$55,74437%
Texas State UniversityTX · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$23,000$61,53937%
Indiana University-BloomingtonIN · PublicRequest information →Game and Interactive Media DesignBachelor’s degree · On campusOffers: Audio Engineering and Sound Production (BS) · Music Production – Audio Engineering (BS) · Music Production – Creation and Production (BS) · Performance (BM) · Jazz Studies (BM) · Composition (BM) · Music Education (BME) · Music and an Outside Field (BS)$20,500$54,63038%
Central Connecticut State UniversityCT · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,500$57,21438%
Syracuse UniversityNY · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$71,52738%
Fashion Institute of TechnologyNY · PublicRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campusOffers: Graphic Design (BFA) · Illustration (BFA) · Illustration (AAS) · Animation, Interactive Media and Game Design (BFA) · Communication Design Foundation (AAS) · Advertising and Marketing Communications (AAS) · Film and Media (AAS) · Photography and Related Media (AAS)$23,033$60,88238%
University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyMD · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$20,250$53,36338%
Miami University-OxfordOH · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$67,98138%
University of DelawareDE · PublicRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$67,74238%
North Central CollegeIL · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$22,000$57,19238%
University of North TexasTX · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$22,269$57,75339%
University of Illinois ChicagoIL · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$22,881$59,18839%
Laguna College of Art and DesignCA · Private nonprofitRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$68,93439%
University of Wisconsin-Green BayWI · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$18,186$46,37639%
Maryville University of Saint LouisMO · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$20,500$52,18539%
Rhode Island School of DesignRI · Private nonprofitRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$67,77140%
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusOK · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,250$65,64640%
Appalachian State UniversityNC · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,435$53,54340%
Bemidji State UniversityMN · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,908$54,64240%
Drexel UniversityPA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Applied Arts, OtherBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$66,29441%
Art Center College of DesignCA · Private nonprofitRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$31,000$76,09341%
Auburn UniversityAL · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,125$61,60941%
California State University-ChicoCA · PublicRequest information →Game and Interactive Media DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$18,227$44,62941%
Ball State UniversityIN · PublicRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$22,000$53,51441%
Portland State UniversityOR · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$23,100$56,15841%
John Brown UniversityAR · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,500$47,24841%
University of KentuckyKY · PublicRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,250$62,96642%
Seton Hall UniversityNJ · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,500$51,50942%
Endicott CollegeMA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$64,55942%
Quinnipiac UniversityCT · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$61,41942%
Kean UniversityNJ · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,004$56,66642%
St. John's University-New YorkNY · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$63,65942%
Emmanuel CollegeMA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$63,61642%
Cedarville UniversityOH · Private nonprofitRequest information →Industrial and Product DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$22,000$51,81342%
College for Creative StudiesMI · Private nonprofitRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$61,22242%
University of OregonOR · PublicRequest information →Design and Applied Arts, OtherBachelor’s degree · On campus$28,000$65,57343%
Temple UniversityPA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$60,78243%
The University of AlabamaAL · PublicRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$60,54643%
Seattle UniversityWA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Commercial and Advertising ArtBachelor’s degree · On campus$23,084$53,11743%
Woodbury UniversityCA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Game and Interactive Media DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$62,09243%
Pratt Institute-MainNY · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campusOffers: Game Arts (BFA) · Digital Arts – 2-D Animation (BFA) · Digital Arts – 3-D Animation and Motion Arts (BFA) · Digital Arts – Art and Technology (BFA) · Graphic Design (AOS)$26,000$59,79243%
University of KansasKS · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$59,44144%
The New SchoolNY · Private nonprofitRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campusOffers: Communication Design (Parsons) (BFA) · Illustration (Parsons) (BFA) · Design and Technology (Parsons) (BFA) · Integrated Design (Parsons) (BFA) · Photography (Parsons) (BFA)$25,000$56,83844%
East Tennessee State UniversityTN · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$18,250$41,44944%
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State AltoonaPA · PublicRequest information →Design and Applied Arts, OtherBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,625$58,10544%
Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPA · PublicRequest information →Design and Applied Arts, OtherBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,625$58,10544%
Kent State University at KentOH · PublicRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,000$56,54044%
Suffolk UniversityMA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$60,15945%
West Virginia UniversityWV · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,000$55,66945%
University of Wisconsin-StoutWI · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$57,71845%
Montclair State UniversityNJ · PublicRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,375$56,17645%
Thomas Jefferson UniversityPA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$59,73145%
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVA · PublicRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,250$53,57545%
Susquehanna UniversityPA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$59,55145%
California College of the ArtsCA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$59,23846%
University of Northern IowaIA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,965$47,73646%
University of Minnesota-DuluthMN · PublicRequest information →Commercial and Advertising ArtBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,275$52,72746%
Metropolitan State University of DenverCO · PublicRequest information →Industrial and Product DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$28,500$61,65446%
Marymount UniversityVA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,750$55,64646%
University of Central MissouriMO · PublicRequest information →Commercial and Advertising ArtBachelor’s degree · On campus$20,076$42,77847%
Russell Sage CollegeNY · Private nonprofitRequest information →Commercial and Advertising ArtBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,250$51,48547%
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNJ · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$57,31347%
Oklahoma Christian UniversityOK · Private nonprofitRequest information →Commercial and Advertising ArtBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$56,95847%
Louisiana Tech UniversityLA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,868$41,53448%
Northern Arizona UniversityAZ · PublicRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$23,333$48,76448%
Saint Edward's UniversityTX · Private nonprofitRequest information →Game and Interactive Media DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$54,29748%
Keene State CollegeNH · PublicRequest information →Commercial and Advertising ArtBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,250$50,50748%
Georgia Southern UniversityGA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,750$53,39648%
Otis College of Art and DesignCA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$55,89148%
Radford UniversityVA · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$55,85648%
Stevenson UniversityMD · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$55,41949%
DePaul UniversityIL · Private nonprofitRequest information →Game and Interactive Media DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$55,21349%
Queens University of CharlotteNC · Private nonprofitRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$52,87049%
Champlain CollegeVT · Private nonprofitRequest information →Game and Interactive Media DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,870$54,56149%
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo CampusPR · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$11,250$22,76349%
Bowling Green State University-Main CampusOH · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$54,27450%
Walla Walla UniversityWA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Industrial and Product DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$54,03550%
University of Massachusetts-DartmouthMA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$51,85750%
Pennsylvania College of TechnologyPA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$53,79650%
Cornish College of the ArtsWA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$53,77350%
Ferris State UniversityMI · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,500$50,65850%
Columbia College ChicagoIL · Private nonprofitRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,500$48,60150%
Iowa State UniversityIA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,581$52,67150%
Kutztown University of PennsylvaniaPA · PublicRequest information →Commercial and Advertising ArtBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$53,31251%
Missouri State University-SpringfieldMO · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,750$50,81451%
Michigan State UniversityMI · PublicRequest information →Game and Interactive Media DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,997$53,25051%
Sam Houston State UniversityTX · PublicRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$29,000$57,01951%
Rochester Institute of TechnologyNY · Private nonprofitRequest information →Industrial and Product DesignBachelor’s degree · On campusOffers: Game Design and Development (BS) · Game Design and Development (MS) · Film and Animation (BFA) · Motion Picture Science (BS) · 3D Visualization (Digital Design) (BFA) · New Media Design (BFA) · Graphic Design (BFA)$26,646$52,04351%
Grand View UniversityIA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$21,502$41,94451%
South Dakota State UniversitySD · PublicRequest information →Interior DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$52,63051%
California State University-FresnoCA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$19,735$38,39751%
Winthrop UniversitySC · PublicRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,917$54,19452%
State University of New York at OswegoNY · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$23,250$44,93952%
SUNY at FredoniaNY · PublicRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$22,500$43,08752%
University of HartfordCT · Private nonprofitRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$51,60752%
Mount Mary UniversityWI · Private nonprofitRequest information →Fashion/Apparel DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,500$49,88153%
Minnesota State University MoorheadMN · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,100$48,97653%
University of Akron Main CampusOH · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,937$50,48453%
Longwood UniversityVA · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$24,753$46,04054%
University of San FranciscoCA · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$49,78854%
Ohio University-Main CampusOH · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$49,55354%
Nazareth UniversityNY · Private nonprofitRequest information →Design and Visual Communications, GeneralBachelor’s degree · On campus$23,250$42,61555%
Oakland UniversityMI · PublicRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,000$47,43255%
Dominican UniversityIL · Private nonprofitRequest information →Commercial and Advertising ArtBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,344$47,93055%
Carthage CollegeWI · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$48,43156%
Massachusetts College of Art and DesignMA · PublicRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$25,537$45,71656%
Flagler CollegeFL · Private nonprofitRequest information →Graphic DesignBachelor’s degree · On campus$26,250$46,92156%
Columbus College of Art & DesignOH · Private nonprofitRequest information →IllustrationBachelor’s degree · On campus$27,000$48,20456%

Showing 150 of 464 programs, lowest debt-to-earnings first. Sorting reorders these 150; narrow the filters to bring the rest into view.

Source: College Scorecard, Field of Study (retrieved September 2026)

How we are paid: StudyCreative earns revenue when readers ask to be connected with a school. No school pays to appear in these figures, to change them, or to be left out of them. Full disclosure.

One thing these figures cannot tell you

Earnings and debt are reported by the federal government at a four-digit program level, so a figure shown against “Design & applied arts” covers every related program at that institution rather than one named degree. Full methodology.