Analysis
Century College's Design and Applied Arts associate degree starts strong with first-year earnings of $39,850—43% above the national median and nearly matching the top program in Minnesota. At $15,000 in debt, graduates face manageable loan burdens with a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.38. This puts the program in the 95th percentile nationally, meaning it outperforms 95% of similar associate degree programs across the country.
The concerning part? Earnings drop 13% by year four to $34,586, which pulls the program down to the 60th percentile within Minnesota. While still respectable, this decline suggests the initial salary advantage may come from entry-level positions that don't lead to clear advancement. Among Minnesota's 14 design programs, Century sits in the middle tier—solid but not elite.
For a two-year degree requiring relatively modest debt, this program delivers strong immediate returns that make the investment worthwhile, particularly for students who need to start earning quickly. The earnings trajectory suggests graduates may need to be proactive about skill development or pivoting to higher-paying roles after getting their foot in the door. If your child values quick entry into the workforce with low debt, this is a strong option despite the earnings plateau.
Where Century College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Century College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Century College | $39,850 | $34,586 | -13% |
| The New School | $44,640 | $54,096 | +21% |
| Interior Designers Institute | $52,768 | $46,273 | -12% |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | $31,830 | $40,168 | +26% |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | $40,230 | $29,825 | -26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Design and Applied Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Century CollegeWhite Bear Lake | $6,182 | $39,850 | $34,586 | $15,000 | 0.38 |
 Minneapolis Community and Technical CollegeMinneapolis | $6,128 | $40,230 | $29,825 | $18,601 | 0.46 |
 Rasmussen University-MinnesotaSt. Cloud | $10,899 | $32,246 | — | $28,722 | 0.89 |
 Alexandria Technical & Community CollegeAlexandria | $6,213 | $31,830 | $40,168 | $12,000 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $27,846 | — | $14,454 | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Fashion Designers
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Interior Designers
Graphic Designers
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Century College, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.