Design and Applied Arts at Delgado Community College

Delgado's Design and Applied Arts associate degree starts at $30,248—slightly above the national median for this field—but earnings drop 12% by year four, falling to $26,617. That backward trajectory is concerning, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few individual career paths could be skewing the picture significantly. With only four Louisiana schools offering this program, and Delgado sitting at the 60th percentile statewide, there's limited local comparison data to judge whether this pattern is typical for the region.

The $19,500 debt load translates to a 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio, which is manageable compared to many associate programs—you're looking at roughly 64 cents of debt for every dollar earned in year one. However, that ratio looks less attractive as earnings decline. For a community college serving a predominantly Pell-eligible population (62% receive need-based aid), that debt level is on the higher side for a two-year credential.

If your child is set on design work in Louisiana, understand that early career earnings may be the peak rather than a foundation. The small sample makes it hard to know if these graduates found sustainable creative careers or pivoted away from the field. Before committing, look closely at whether Delgado's specific design curriculum—and its local industry connections—justify taking on nearly $20,000 in debt for what appears to be a bumpy earnings path.