Analysis
Marymount's Design and Applied Arts graduates start slow but accelerate quickly—earnings jump 54% from $33,180 to $51,014 between years one and four. That trajectory matters more than the below-average starting point. While graduates initially earn less than the state median ($33,638), they surpass strong in-state competitors like Virginia Tech by year four. The debt load of $27,000 is manageable, especially given that earnings growth, translating to a comfortable 0.81 debt-to-earnings ratio.
The weak spot is that 40th percentile ranking among Virginia programs—this isn't a top-tier regional performer out of the gate. But context matters: several higher-ranked programs (VCU, Liberty) never catch up to Marymount's four-year mark. The question becomes whether your child can afford to earn less than $3,000 monthly in year one while building toward that stronger mid-career position. The 81% admission rate and lower Pell enrollment suggest this serves students with more financial cushion.
For families who can support a graduate through that initial earning period, this program delivers solid returns. The earnings trajectory indicates Marymount's design curriculum and Arlington location create real momentum in the job market—just not immediately.
Where Marymount University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Marymount University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marymount University | $33,180 | $51,014 | +54% |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $46,761 | $59,906 | +28% |
| Radford University | $34,096 | $40,925 | +20% |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $25,872 | $39,889 | +54% |
| Liberty University | $30,019 | $36,375 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Marymount UniversityArlington | $39,050 | $33,180 | $51,014 | $27,000 | 0.81 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $46,761 | $59,906 | $25,802 | 0.55 |
 Longwood UniversityFarmville | $15,200 | $35,612 | — | $25,625 | 0.72 |
 Radford UniversityRadford | $12,286 | $34,096 | $40,925 | $27,000 | 0.79 |
 Liberty UniversityLynchburg | $21,222 | $30,019 | $36,375 | $26,000 | 0.87 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $25,872 | $39,889 | $25,937 | 1.00 |
| National Median | — | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Fashion Designers
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Interior Designers
Graphic Designers
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
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 Marymount University, approximately 22% 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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.