Design and Applied Arts at Maryville University of Saint Louis

Maryville's Design and Applied Arts program outperforms most competitors by a meaningful margin, with first-year earnings of $39,623 placing it in the 77th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Missouri programs. That's $6,000 above the national median and $5,800 above Missouri's typical outcome—a substantial advantage in a field where many graduates struggle to launch financially viable careers. At $24,621 in median debt, students borrow slightly less than state and national averages while earning considerably more.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means graduates owe roughly seven months of their first-year salary, a manageable burden that most can pay down within a few years if they prioritize it. Earnings growth of 13% by year four suggests career momentum rather than stagnation, though design careers often depend heavily on portfolio development and networking. Note that Park University's design graduates earn significantly more ($46,340), so if your child gains admission there, that's worth serious consideration despite Maryville's strong showing.

For a field notorious for underemployment and low starting pay, this program delivers above-average results without excessive debt. The 94% admission rate means most applicants get in, making this an accessible option for students committed to design careers who want better-than-typical outcomes.