Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree) at Grand Canyon University

Analysis

Grand Canyon University's Design and Applied Arts program charges more than the state median ($27,000 vs. $25,122 in debt) but delivers earnings that outpace most competitors—at $38,976, graduates earn about $3,000 more than the Arizona median and rank in the 75th percentile nationally. While that places them slightly behind ASU's programs in state rankings (60th percentile), the extra debt load is modest and the 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates typically earn enough to justify the investment. The premium over in-state alternatives appears to translate into real earning power.

That said, design and applied arts remains a field where even strong performers earn modest salaries. Nearly $39,000 is respectable for a creative field—and notably higher than programs at Northern Arizona University or University of Advancing Technology—but it still requires careful financial planning. The relatively low debt burden helps: GCU graduates owe less than the national median despite attending a private institution.

For families comfortable with the tuition difference, this program offers above-average outcomes in a competitive Arizona market. The combination of lower-than-average debt and higher-than-average earnings creates a manageable financial picture, particularly compared to design programs that saddle graduates with $30,000+ in loans for similar or lower starting salaries.

Where Grand Canyon University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Grand Canyon University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (10 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix	$17,450	$38,976	—	$27,000	0.69
Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale	—	$35,960	—	—	—
Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe	$12,051	$35,960	$56,707	$21,500	0.60
Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff	$12,652	$33,964	$45,404	$23,245	0.68
University of Advancing TechnologyTempe	$19,430	$30,640	—	$27,895	0.91
National Median	—	$33,563	—	$26,880	0.80

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

$79,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

$66,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$61,300/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Grand Canyon University, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.