Design and Applied Arts
Bachelor's degree · Western Carolina University · Cullowhee, NC
How this program compares
Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Design and Applied Arts at Western Carolina University earn a median of $32,842 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 $29,911, about 91% of first-year earnings.
Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's degree) at other North Carolina schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh | $44,930 | $19,500 |
| East Carolina University Greenville | $39,992 | $24,750 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro | $38,858 | $25,500 |
| Meredith College Raleigh | $36,357 | $25,000 |
| Appalachian State University Boone | $34,722 | $21,435 |
| William Peace University Raleigh | $33,536 | $24,000 |
| Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte | $31,611 | $26,000 |
| North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro | $30,470 | $28,500 |
Highest-paying Design and Applied Arts programs nationwide →
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$52,126
Frequently asked questions
How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates from Western Carolina University make?
The median salary is $32,842 one year after graduation and $51,717 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $29,911.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.