Design and Applied Arts at Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian's Design and Applied Arts program graduates earn around $38,550 in their first year—solidly above the national median but middle-of-the-pack for Texas, where the state median happens to match this program's exact earnings figure. That puts graduates roughly $9,000 behind what they'd likely earn at UT Austin or Texas State, though ahead of the national average by about $5,000. With debt around $21,875, the program keeps borrowing 18% below the national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 that should allow graduates to handle payments on a creative field salary.

The real consideration here is whether the premium you're paying for a private Christian education translates into career advantages. The earnings suggest it doesn't materially outperform public alternatives like Sam Houston State, which delivers similar first-year outcomes. However, if the smaller community and faith integration matter for your family, the debt levels are reasonable enough that graduates aren't starting with a crushing burden. Just be aware this analysis draws from a small graduating class—fewer than 30 students—so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians.

For parents weighing cost versus outcomes, this program won't disadvantage graduates compared to peers, but it won't give them a financial edge either. If you're paying out-of-state or full private tuition, the in-state publics merit serious consideration.