Design and Applied Arts at Laguna College of Art and Design

At just under $28,000 in first-year earnings, LCAD's Design and Applied Arts program leaves graduates earning roughly $4,000 less than the California median and nearly $6,000 below the national average. The debt load—$27,000—tracks right at national levels but notably exceeds California's median by about $2,600. This creates a concerning first year where graduates essentially owe a full year's salary, and the positioning at the 40th percentile among California programs means there are better-performing alternatives in-state, many of which offer similar tuition benefits without the earnings gap.

The comparison to top California programs is stark. USC and UCLA graduates in this field earn more than double what LCAD graduates make initially, while even programs like Art Center—another specialized art school—show 70% higher earnings. That said, LCAD's 78% admission rate suggests more accessible entry than those elite institutions, and the moderate sample size indicates reasonably stable data.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: your graduate will likely spend their first year earning roughly what they borrowed, which makes immediate financial independence challenging. If your child is set on specialized art education and LCAD's particular community appeals, ensure they minimize borrowing and understand they're accepting below-average California outcomes. Otherwise, exploring state schools or programs with stronger earnings trajectories would offer better financial footing post-graduation.