Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree) at Kansas State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$43,992

93rd percentile

60th percentile in Kansas

Est. Median Debt

$25,851

Est. from national median (141 programs)

Analysis

Kansas State's Design and Applied Arts program substantially outperforms what most design graduates earn nationally—$44,000 in the first year versus a national median of just under $34,000. This places K-State in the top 10% of similar programs nationwide, suggesting the university has either strong industry connections or a curriculum focused on more lucrative design specializations. The estimated debt load of roughly $26,000, based on typical borrowing patterns at similar four-year public institutions, produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.6—meaning graduates could potentially pay off their loans with less than seven months of pre-tax income.

Within Kansas, however, the picture is more competitive. Kansas State ranks solidly in the middle among state programs, trailing the University of Kansas by about $6,500 in first-year earnings. Still, the program's national strength matters more than its state ranking—design careers aren't confined by geography, and K-State graduates appear well-positioned to compete for jobs anywhere.

The caveat: because graduate numbers were too small for the Department of Education to publish debt figures, we're working with an estimate here rather than actual borrowing data for K-State's design students. If your child is seriously considering this program, ask the financial aid office for typical debt levels among recent design graduates specifically. But based on comparable programs, the earnings trajectory looks genuinely strong.

Where Kansas State University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Kansas State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (15 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Kansas State UniversityManhattan	$10,942	$43,992	—	$25,851*	—
University of KansasLawrence	$11,700	$37,508	$50,894	$26,000*	0.69
Wichita State UniversityWichita	$9,322	$33,590	$38,472	$26,000*	0.77
Rasmussen University-KansasTopeka	$15,340	$32,482	—	$35,438*	1.09
National Median	—	$33,563	—	$26,880*	0.80

* Estimated from similar programs

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 Kansas State University, approximately 19% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.