Design and Applied Arts at Grand Canyon University

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.