Design and Applied Arts at Appalachian State University

Appalachian State's Design and Applied Arts program starts behind the pack but makes up ground quickly—first-year graduates earn $34,722, but by year four that jumps 39% to $48,073. That's roughly $10,000 more than the typical four-year grad in this field nationwide, signaling that while the immediate post-graduation market may be soft, mid-career prospects strengthen considerably. Among North Carolina's 26 programs, this one sits right at the state median for starting pay but appears positioned for better long-term growth than many peers.

The catch is debt: at $21,500, it's lower than the national median but still lands in the 84th percentile nationally, meaning most comparable programs graduate students with less debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 is manageable but not ideal for a creative field where freelance work and portfolio-building often dominate early careers. That first year could feel financially tight, especially compared to peers at NC State (where starting pay is $10,000 higher) or even East Carolina.

For families comfortable with a slower financial start in exchange for strong earnings growth, this program delivers. But if your child needs to hit the ground running financially, be aware they'll likely need patience—or a second income stream—before that salary trajectory kicks in.