Design and Applied Arts

Bachelor's degree · Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo, MI

CIP 50.04

$39,077Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$58,634Median earnings 4 years after
$67,581Median earnings 5 years after
$27,000Median federal debt
49Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Design and Applied Arts at Western Michigan University earn a median of $39,077 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 $27,000, about 69% of first-year earnings.

Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's degree) at other Michigan schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti
$38,443—
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant
$36,917$27,500
Michigan State University
East Lansing
$36,784$26,997
Ferris State University
Big Rapids
$34,045$25,500
College for Creative Studies
Detroit
$32,665$26,000
Oakland University
Rochester Hills
$30,687$26,000
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center
$27,577$24,286
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint
$18,339$27,695

Highest-paying Design and Applied Arts programs nationwide →

Other programs at Western Michigan University

Frequently asked questions

How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates from Western Michigan University make?

The median salary is $39,077 one year after graduation and $67,581 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $27,000.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.