Location: Newark, NJ•In-State Tuition: $19,022•Out-of-State Tuition: $35,934•Admission Rate: 67%•Avg SAT: 1336
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,975
75th percentile
80th percentile in New Jersey
Median Debt
$27,000
At national median
D/E Ratio: 0.69 ManageableSample: 24 graduates Limited data

Analysis

NJIT's design program stands out in New Jersey's landscape, with graduates earning $48,950 four years out—nearly double what most state competitors deliver. Among the 13 schools offering this degree in New Jersey, NJIT ranks in the 80th percentile, meaning only a handful of programs produce better-earning graduates. That's noteworthy for a tech-focused school branching into the arts.

The debt picture reinforces this value: at $27,000, it matches the state median while producing significantly higher returns. First-year earnings of $38,975 cover the debt load reasonably well (0.69 ratio), and the 26% earnings bump by year four suggests graduates find their footing rather than plateau early. Nationally, this program performs even better—75th percentile—proving NJIT's design grads compete beyond state borders.

The critical caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. One cohort landing strong positions could inflate the median; one tough year could tank it. But the fundamentals make sense—a design program housed within a STEM-oriented school likely emphasizes user experience, digital design, or other technical skills that command higher wages than traditional studio arts. For a student confident they want design work and comfortable with a smaller program, this looks like one of New Jersey's strongest bets for turning an arts degree into reliable income.

Where New Jersey Institute of Technology Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally

New Jersey Institute of TechnologyOther design and applied arts programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How New Jersey Institute of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally

New Jersey Institute of Technology earns $39k — 75th percentile among design and applied arts bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
New Jersey Institute of Technology$38,975$48,950+26%
Carnegie Mellon University$66,274$126,932+92%
Kean University$35,673$52,084+46%
Montclair State University$26,027$41,684+60%
Centenary University$26,569$30,224+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (13 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark$19,022$38,975$48,950$27,0000.69
Kean UniversityUnion$13,426$35,673$52,084$26,7130.75
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$32,397—$27,0000.83
Rider UniversityLawrenceville$38,900$29,445———
Berkeley College-Woodland ParkWoodland Park$28,600$27,937—$30,3981.09
Centenary UniversityHackettstown$37,732$26,569$30,224$27,0001.02
National Median—$33,563—$26,8800.80

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

$79,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

$66,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$61,300/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:
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 New Jersey Institute of Technology, approximately 39% 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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.