Design and Applied Arts at College of DuPage

College of DuPage's Design and Applied Arts certificate produces graduates earning just over $32,000 in their first year—essentially matching both the national and state medians for this credential. At 60th percentile among Illinois programs, it performs slightly above the state average, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. The $11,500 in median debt is manageable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, which suggests graduates can handle their loan payments on entry-level design salaries.

The challenge with certificates in design fields is that $32,000 goes only so far in the Chicago metro area, where many graduates will likely work. While the debt load is reasonable, earnings at this level require careful budgeting—especially since design careers often involve freelance work or studio positions with variable income. The program does have the advantage of a community college price point, which keeps debt low compared to what students might accumulate at private art schools.

For students certain about pursuing design work and wanting a low-cost entry point, this certificate offers decent value with minimal financial risk. However, given the modest earnings potential, your child should have a clear path for how this certificate fits into their career plans—whether as a stepping stone to further education or as training for a specific design niche they're passionate about pursuing.