Location: Milwaukee, WI•In-State Tuition: $32,794•Admission Rate: 93%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,216
Est. from WI median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from WI median (4 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable Design and Applied Arts programs in Wisconsin, Alverno's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $36,200—right at the state median but well below what UW-Madison ($49,780) and UW-Stout ($40,615) report for their design graduates. The estimated debt load of $27,000 produces a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly three-quarters of their first year's salary. That's reasonable compared to many bachelor's programs, though it doesn't change the fundamental question: can you build a sustainable career starting at $36,000?

The wider concern here is earnings trajectory. Design fields often reward specific skill sets, portfolio quality, and networking opportunities that vary dramatically between programs. Alverno serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (49%), which matters for access, but without actual outcome data for this specific program, you're left guessing whether their design curriculum opens doors to higher-paying creative roles or channels graduates toward lower-end retail or administrative positions that happen to use design skills.

If your child is considering Alverno for design, look closely at faculty connections to Milwaukee's creative industry, internship placements, and whether alumni are landing roles that justify the investment. The estimated numbers suggest financial viability, but programs at this earning level leave little margin for career missteps or extended job searches after graduation.

Where Alverno College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally

Alverno College (estimated ±10%)Other design and applied arts programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (20 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Alverno CollegeMilwaukee$32,794$36,216*—$27,000*—
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison$11,205$49,780*$51,862$20,875*0.42
University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointStevens Point$8,834$41,243*—$23,684*0.57
University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie$10,142$40,615*$47,390$27,000*0.66
Saint Norbert CollegeDe Pere$44,432$37,856*—$27,000*0.71
University of Wisconsin-ParksideKenosha$7,855$36,920*—$27,000*0.73
National Median—$33,563*—$26,880*0.80
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

$79,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

$66,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$61,300/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Alverno College, approximately 49% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.