Design and Applied Arts at Interior Designers Institute
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Interior Designers Institute defies the typical small art school narrative. While graduates carry slightly more debt than California's median for design programs ($28,655 vs. $24,410), they're earning $51,188 within a year—placing them in the 95th percentile both nationally and within California. That's 61% above the state median and within striking distance of UCLA grads, despite a fraction of the brand recognition and infrastructure.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates earn roughly twice what they owe, putting them ahead of about 88% of design programs nationwide in managing this critical balance. With one-third of students receiving Pell grants, these outcomes suggest strong industry connections or program focus that translates directly to employable skills. The numbers work because the premium isn't excessive and the earnings deliver immediately.
For families specifically interested in interior design rather than broad arts degrees, this represents a focused investment that appears to justify its cost. The program punches well above its weight class, producing outcomes that rival or exceed much larger California institutions while keeping debt at manageable levels.
Where Interior Designers Institute Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Interior Designers Institute graduates compare to all programs nationally
Interior Designers Institute graduates earn $51k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all design and applied arts bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (55 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designers Institute | $51,188 | — | $28,655 | 0.56 |
| University of Southern California | $64,846 | $56,391 | $18,262 | 0.28 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $57,615 | $68,882 | $20,000 | 0.35 |
| Art Center College of Design | $47,053 | $71,547 | $31,050 | 0.66 |
| Chapman University | $46,519 | $69,235 | $23,000 | 0.49 |
| California State University-Long Beach | $37,395 | $58,879 | $17,215 | 0.46 |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $64,846 | $18,262 |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $57,615 | $20,000 |
| Art Center College of Design Pasadena | $51,640 | $47,053 | $31,050 |
| Chapman University Orange | $62,784 | $46,519 | $23,000 |
| California State University-Long Beach Long Beach | $7,008 | $37,395 | $17,215 |
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 Interior Designers Institute, approximately 34% 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 30 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.