Design and Applied Arts at Flagler College

Flagler College's Design and Applied Arts program hits the Florida median precisely—$34,236 first-year earnings—which puts it solidly in the middle of the pack statewide at the 60th percentile. The real differentiator here is the debt load: at $27,000, it's lower than most comparable programs, giving graduates a manageable 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's practical for a creative field where many grads pursue freelance work or startup roles before settling into steadier positions.

The earnings trajectory shows encouraging growth—23% over four years to nearly $42,000—suggesting graduates gain traction as they build portfolios and client relationships. However, there's an unavoidable reality check when comparing to Florida State ($49,144) or UF ($43,144), which both deliver significantly higher starting salaries. Still, Flagler's lower debt burden partially offsets that gap, and for students who value the smaller school environment in Saint Augustine, the tradeoff might make sense.

For a creative field where personal drive matters as much as credentials, Flagler delivers acceptable outcomes without burying students in debt. Just be clear-eyed that this isn't a fast track to high earnings—it's a middle-of-the-road option that relies on graduates making their own opportunities after graduation.