Design and Applied Arts at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan's Design and Applied Arts program stands out for strong earnings growth, climbing from a modest $36,917 in year one to $51,538 by year four—a 40% jump that outpaces typical design career trajectories. While starting salaries trail Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan, CMU graduates surpass most state competitors by year four. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Michigan design programs, a solid position given the state has 20 options. Debt levels are reasonable at $28,500, creating a manageable 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves significantly as salaries increase.

The real story here is the trajectory rather than the starting point. Many design graduates face stagnant earnings or slow climbs, but CMU's alumni show consistent income growth that suggests they're landing jobs with advancement potential rather than freelance gigs or entry-level positions with limited upside. This pattern is particularly valuable for families concerned about their graduate's ability to service debt—while $28,500 requires careful budgeting in year one, it becomes increasingly manageable as earnings rise.

For parents weighing CMU against Michigan State or Eastern options, the choice depends on patience. If your student needs immediate earning power, Western or Eastern Michigan have slight edges. But if you're comfortable with a slower start in exchange for stronger year-four outcomes, CMU's trajectory offers real value at a school where 91% admission rates mean reasonable entry odds.