Design and Applied Arts at Arapahoe Community College

Arapahoe Community College's Design and Applied Arts associate degree outperforms three-quarters of similar programs nationally, and graduates carry manageable debt at just under half their first-year salary. With earnings starting at $32,100 and climbing to nearly $38,000 by year four, this program meets Colorado's median for design programs while keeping costs reasonable. The 18% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are building marketable skills that translate into better opportunities.

The debt picture is notably practical for a community college arts program. At $15,000, graduates owe less than six months of their first year's salary—a level that shouldn't create financial stress for most households. This is roughly average nationally but represents solid value given that the program's earnings outcomes beat 74% of design associate degrees across the country.

One consideration: Colorado has only six schools offering this associate degree, so state comparisons are limited. Still, matching the state median while exceeding most national programs indicates this is a reliable option. For families seeking an affordable entry point into design fields without the four-year commitment, this program delivers practical training with earnings that justify the investment—especially for students who view this as a stepping stone to either employment or further education.