Design and Applied Arts at Bob Jones University

Bob Jones University's Design and Applied Arts program graduates start with respectable earnings of $36,424—ahead of most programs nationally and matching the South Carolina median. The $15,750 debt load is remarkably low, less than half what typical design graduates carry, giving this program one of the better debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.

The concerning pattern here is what happens after that first year: earnings drop 16% by year four, falling to $30,493. This backward slide is unusual and suggests graduates may be struggling to advance in their careers or find stable positions in their field. Among the 10 South Carolina programs tracked, this ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack—behind Clemson and Winthrop, but ahead of several others.

For families prioritizing low debt, this program delivers. Your child would likely graduate owing about $11,000 less than the typical design student, which provides real financial breathing room early in their career. Just understand that the initial salary advantage appears temporary based on available data, and with such a small graduate cohort, these earnings patterns might not reflect what future students will experience.