Design and Applied Arts at Marywood University

Marywood's Design and Applied Arts program shows concerning first-year outcomes but a striking earnings trajectory that demands closer examination—though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data.

Fresh graduates earn $25,727, roughly $7,000 below Pennsylvania's median for design programs and in just the 25th percentile statewide. The $27,362 median debt isn't excessive by itself, but paired with that initial salary, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio above 1.0. However, the 79% earnings jump to $45,948 by year four suggests graduates may be gaining traction in their careers—potentially moving from junior design roles or freelance work into more stable positions. That four-year figure actually exceeds the state median and approaches what graduates from much higher-ranked schools like Kutztown earn early on.

The challenge is uncertainty. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could represent either an outlier cohort or a genuine pattern. For a parent, this means accepting real risk: your child might follow the upward trajectory shown here, or they might experience the program differently. If considering Marywood, focus on career services support and alumni networks in design fields—resources that could help ensure your graduate reaches that stronger four-year earning potential rather than stalling at the difficult starting salary.