Analysis
Metro State Denver's Design and Applied Arts program punches well above its weight. Its graduates earn $48,439 four years out—ranking in the 80th percentile among Colorado design programs and the 77th percentile nationally. That places it ahead of more selective schools like University of Denver ($31,104) and significantly above the national median of $33,563.
The debt picture looks even better. At $29,125, graduates leave with manageable debt (8th percentile nationally means 92% of similar programs carry higher debt burdens). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74 means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—a solid position that gets easier to manage as earnings grow 23% by year four. For a school with a 99% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, these outcomes suggest the program delivers genuine career preparation without pricing out middle-class families.
The moderate sample size warrants some caution, but the combination of strong earnings trajectory, low debt, and accessibility makes this program stand out. For Colorado families seeking affordable design education with proven earning power, Metro State offers better financial outcomes than more expensive alternatives, which is exactly what anxious parents should want to hear.
Where Metropolitan State University of Denver Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Metropolitan State University of Denver 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $39,450 | $48,439 | +23% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $66,274 | $126,932 | +92% |
| Northeastern University | $49,727 | $81,078 | +63% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $44,506 | $76,309 | +71% |
| Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | $29,829 | $42,808 | +44% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (5 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver | $10,780 | $39,450 | $48,439 | $29,125 | 0.74 |
 University of DenverDenver | $59,340 | $31,104 | — | — | — |
 Rocky Mountain College of Art and DesignLakewood | $23,720 | $29,829 | $42,808 | $46,544 | 1.56 |
| 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 Metropolitan State University of Denver, approximately 35% 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 53 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.