Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree) at Concordia University-Wisconsin

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,216

Est. from WI median (10 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$27,000

Est. from WI median (4 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable Design and Applied Arts programs in Wisconsin, Concordia University-Wisconsin appears to align with state medians—estimated first-year earnings of $36,216 against roughly $27,000 in debt. That 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that Wisconsin's flagship and several regional universities report actual outcomes considerably higher, with UW-Madison graduates earning nearly $50,000 in their first year. The question for your family is whether the private university environment at Concordia justifies outcomes that may track closer to the middle of the pack rather than the top tier.

The broader challenge with design fields is their inherent variability—outcomes depend heavily on specialization, portfolio quality, and geographic mobility after graduation. The $36,000 estimate reflects a statewide average across different design disciplines, from graphic design to industrial design, each with distinct earning trajectories. If your child plans to stay in Wisconsin's smaller creative markets rather than pursue opportunities in larger metros, these estimated figures may prove optimistic.

Given the data limitations here, you'll want direct conversations with Concordia's program about graduate outcomes, employer relationships, and whether their alumni network can open doors that justify choosing this program over public alternatives with stronger documented performance. The financial picture seems workable on paper, but without program-specific data, you're making that bet with less certainty than ideal.

Where Concordia University-Wisconsin Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (20 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Concordia University-WisconsinMequon	$34,250	$36,216*	—	$27,000*	—
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison	$11,205	$49,780*	$51,862	$20,875*	0.42
University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointStevens Point	$8,834	$41,243*	—	$23,684*	0.57
University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie	$10,142	$40,615*	$47,390	$27,000*	0.66
Saint Norbert CollegeDe Pere	$44,432	$37,856*	—	$27,000*	0.71
University of Wisconsin-ParksideKenosha	$7,855	$36,920*	—	$27,000*	0.73
National Median	—	$33,563*	—	$26,880*	0.80

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

$79,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

$66,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$61,300/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

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 Concordia University-Wisconsin, approximately 22% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 10 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.