Design and Applied Arts
Bachelor's degree · Academy of Art University · San Francisco, CA
How this program compares
Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Design and Applied Arts at Academy of Art University earn a median of $20,829 one year after completing the program. Nationally, bachelor's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $51,490 four years after graduating (middle half: $33,006–$70,612). Median debt is $31,500, about 151% of first-year earnings – more than a full year of pay.
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's degree) at other California schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $64,846 | $18,000 |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $57,615 | $19,000 |
| Interior Designers Institute Newport Beach | $51,188 | $26,057 |
| Art Center College of Design Pasadena | $47,053 | $31,000 |
| Chapman University Orange | $46,519 | $23,823 |
| California State University-Long Beach Long Beach | $37,395 | $16,500 |
| Newschool of Architecture and Design San Diego | $37,132 | $32,000 |
| California State University-Northridge Northridge | $36,736 | — |
| San Francisco State University San Francisco | $34,845 | $15,000 |
| Design Institute of San Diego San Diego | $34,589 | $44,191 |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $32,816 | $14,924 |
| California State University-Sacramento Sacramento | $32,240 | $15,750 |
| Woodbury University Burbank | $32,175 | $27,000 |
| University of San Francisco San Francisco | $32,070 | $27,000 |
| San Diego State University San Diego | $31,459 | $13,832 |
Highest-paying Design and Applied Arts programs nationwide →
Other programs at Academy of Art University
- Computer Software and Media ApplicationsMaster's degree
$55,139 - Fine and Studio ArtsMaster's degree
$50,953 - Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/TechniciansBachelor's degree
$48,978 - Computer Software and Media ApplicationsBachelor's degree
$45,387 - Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/TechniciansMaster's degree
$44,643 - Film/Video and Photographic ArtsMaster's degree
$41,911 - Design and Applied ArtsMaster's degree
$38,358 - Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing OperationsMaster's degree
$37,909 - Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftMaster's degree
$36,635 - Computer Software and Media ApplicationsAssociate's degree
$30,273 - Film/Video and Photographic ArtsAssociate's degree
$30,178 - Visual and Performing Arts, GeneralBachelor's degree
$28,494 - Apparel and TextilesBachelor's degree
$27,630 - Graphic CommunicationsBachelor's degree
$27,481 - Design and Applied ArtsAssociate's degree
$26,478 - Radio, Television, and Digital CommunicationBachelor's degree
$25,425 - Film/Video and Photographic ArtsBachelor's degree
$23,354 - Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftBachelor's degree
$20,798 - Communication and Media StudiesBachelor's degree
$40,098 - Visual and Performing Arts, GeneralMaster's degree
$51,874
Frequently asked questions
How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates from Academy of Art University make?
The median salary is $20,829 one year after graduation and $57,948 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $31,500.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.