Design and Applied Arts at Lasell University

Lasell's Design and Applied Arts program starts graduates at around $30,000—nearly $10,000 below what students earn at top Massachusetts design programs like Wentworth or Northeastern. At the 40th percentile among Bay State design schools, this falls in the lower half of what's available in a state known for strong creative industries. The $27,000 in typical debt roughly matches both state and national averages, but when your first-year earnings trail the pack, that debt takes longer to manage.

The 25% earnings growth to $37,000 by year four represents solid progression, though graduates are still playing catch-up compared to peers who started at higher baselines. This trajectory matters less if you're passionate about design and willing to supplement your income initially, but it's a real consideration if you're taking on loans. The program serves its students reasonably well—debt levels aren't excessive—but the modest starting salary means your child should plan for roommates and a tight budget in those early years.

For families considering Lasell, compare carefully against state university options that might offer similar (or better) earnings outcomes at lower cost. If your child is drawn specifically to Lasell's campus culture or teaching approach, understand you're making that choice knowing they'll likely start their career earning below the Massachusetts median for design graduates.