Design and Applied Arts at DePaul University

DePaul's Design and Applied Arts program starts rocky but rebounds impressively. That first-year median of $30,536 lags both the national figure and most Illinois competitors, but by year four, graduates reach $52,942—a 73% jump that suggests the degree's real value emerges with experience. Among Illinois design programs, DePaul lands at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Illinois State and UIUC but ahead of more than half the field.

The $27,000 debt load sits right at national norms and keeps the initial year manageable, with graduates owing less than their annual salary. This is crucial given that lean first year—you're not drowning in payments while building your portfolio and client base. The trajectory matters here: design work often requires building a reputation and network before commanding competitive rates, which explains why graduates who stick with the field see their earnings nearly double within four years.

For parents, the key question is whether your child can weather that difficult first year financially. If they can live frugally or have family support during the early career phase, this program offers reasonable debt and strong growth potential. But if they need to hit the ground earning immediately after graduation, the Illinois State or UIUC programs deliver better starting salaries for similar debt.