Design and Applied Arts at Cedarville University

Cedarville's design program punches well above its weight in Ohio, with median earnings of $48,514 by year four placing it in the 80th percentile statewide—nearly double the state median of $26,464. That's particularly impressive given the program costs students $25,000 in median debt, slightly less than what Ohio design students typically borrow. The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story: graduates start at $35,768 but see 36% growth within four years, suggesting the program builds skills that employers increasingly value.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 is manageable, especially considering where graduates end up financially. While the program trails design powerhouses like Cincinnati ($52,526) and Miami ($47,295), it lands squarely in the middle tier of Ohio programs—but at what's likely a lower sticker price than those larger universities. Nationally, Cedarville also performs respectably, ranking in the 60th percentile against 678 programs.

For families weighing Ohio design programs, this represents solid value: graduates avoid crushing debt while achieving earnings that outpace most in-state alternatives. The strong upward earnings curve suggests graduates aren't hitting a ceiling early. If your student is drawn to Cedarville's environment and community, the financial outcomes support that choice—this isn't a case where passion comes at the expense of practical results.