Design and Applied Arts at Florida State University

Florida State's Design and Applied Arts program punches well above its weight, delivering starting salaries of $49,144—nearly $15,000 above the Florida median and ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. This is particularly striking for a creative field often associated with financial struggle: graduates here earn 46% more than the national typical design graduate. Among Florida's 20 design programs, only UF produces higher earners, and FSU's lead over most competitors is substantial.

The financial picture gets better when you factor in debt. While the $22,250 median borrowing sits slightly below both state and national averages, the real story is the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45—manageable by any standard and far more favorable than most arts programs achieve. Earnings grow modestly but steadily to $51,681 by year four, suggesting stable career progression rather than the boom-or-bust trajectories common in creative industries.

For a parent weighing whether to support their child's creative ambitions, this program offers something rare: strong earning potential without crushing debt. The selectivity (25% admission rate) ensures a talented peer group, and the moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes rather than a few outliers driving the numbers. If your student is serious about design and can get admitted, this represents one of Florida's best bets for turning artistic talent into a viable career.