Design and Applied Arts at Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Similar Design and Applied Arts programs in Indiana suggest first-year earnings around $35,400—squarely at the state median but notably behind powerhouses like Notre Dame ($46,800) and Purdue ($44,600). With estimated debt of $22,000, you're looking at a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio that falls well below the concerning 1.0 threshold. That means graduates from comparable programs typically earn enough to handle repayment without severe financial strain, though they're not exactly flush with cash in those first years.

The challenge here is making peace with limited visibility. Indiana Wesleyan's actual outcomes for this specific program remain suppressed due to small cohort sizes, so you're relying on peer program performance rather than verified track record. What we do know: the school serves a moderately selective student body (82% admission rate, quarter of students on Pell grants) and graduates would be entering a field where even the 75th percentile nationally only earns around $39,000. Design careers often require building portfolios and networks over time, meaning that $35,400 starting point may improve—or may not.

The debt load looks reasonable compared to national norms ($26,880), but you're essentially betting on Indiana Wesleyan delivering results similar to its Indiana peers. Given the lack of program-specific data, a close look at the school's alumni network, internship placements, and career services becomes essential—these tangible supports matter more when you can't verify outcomes directly.