Analysis
Dallas College's Design and Applied Arts associate's program lands in an interesting middle ground for Texas students. While it outperforms 71% of similar programs nationally, it sits below the median among Texas schools—where it ranks at the 40th percentile. The first-year earning of $31,478 trails programs like Austin Community College ($40,289) and even nearby Collin County ($33,456), though it significantly beats the national median of $27,846.
The financial picture is manageable: at $11,835, the debt load is below both national and state averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that graduates could reasonably handle. More encouraging is the 28% earnings jump to $40,260 by year four, suggesting career momentum for those who stick with the field. However, keep in mind these figures come from a small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—which means individual outcomes could vary more than usual.
For families comparing Texas community college options, this program offers solid national standing at a reasonable price, but it's not the state's strongest performer in design and applied arts. If your student is committed to staying in the Dallas area, the lower debt makes this a defensible choice despite the earnings gap with some competitors.
Where Dallas College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Dallas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas College | $31,478 | $40,260 | +28% |
| The New School | $44,640 | $54,096 | +21% |
| Austin Community College District | $40,289 | $40,255 | -0% |
| Collin County Community College District | $33,456 | $34,139 | +2% |
| Texas State Technical College | $23,345 | $28,471 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Design and Applied Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dallas CollegeDallas | $2,370 | $31,478 | $40,260 | $11,835 | 0.38 |
 Austin Community College DistrictAustin | $2,550 | $40,289 | $40,255 | $19,939 | 0.49 |
 Collin County Community College DistrictMcKinney | $1,864 | $33,456 | $34,139 | $6,900 | 0.21 |
 Texas State Technical CollegeWaco | $7,192 | $23,345 | $28,471 | $15,679 | 0.67 |
| 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 Dallas College, approximately 23% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.