Design and Applied Arts at Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College's Design and Applied Arts graduates face a challenging start, earning just over $32,000 in their first year—below the national program average and barely above the median for Massachusetts design programs. However, the relatively modest debt load of $27,000 keeps the financial burden manageable, with graduates owing less than a year's salary. The small sample size here means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, but the pattern suggests students aren't accessing the premium salary opportunities available at Boston's top design schools, where graduates can earn 50% more right out of the gate.

The real question is whether Emmanuel's liberal arts environment offers networking and career development support that could accelerate earnings growth beyond that first year. Design careers often build momentum through portfolio work and industry connections rather than following a predictable salary curve. The 0.83 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming—it's actually better than many art programs—but parents should verify what internship partnerships and alumni networks the program maintains within Boston's design community.

If your child is choosing Emmanuel specifically for its smaller, supportive environment or dual-degree opportunities, the debt level won't create crushing financial pressure. But if they're serious about design as a career path and are competitive applicants, programs like UMass Lowell or Wentworth offer significantly better earning potential for similar or lower debt.