Design and Applied Arts at North Carolina A & T State University

North Carolina A&T's Design and Applied Arts program shows modest initial outcomes but strong mid-term growth, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with future cohorts. Starting earnings of $30,470 trail both the state median ($34,722) and sit at the 40th percentile among North Carolina programs—roughly $4,000-$14,000 behind larger state universities like NC State and East Carolina. However, the 37% earnings jump to $41,790 by year four suggests graduates gain traction as they establish themselves professionally.

The debt picture is actually favorable: at $29,958, graduates carry less than one year's starting salary—a manageable burden that ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt among design programs. That's slightly above the state median but far below the debt loads common at many art and design schools. For a university serving predominantly Pell-eligible students (51%), this represents relatively responsible borrowing levels.

The central question is whether the below-average starting point offsets the strong growth trajectory. If these earnings trends hold, graduates should reach competitive salary levels within a few years while carrying reasonable debt. But given the limited data, parents should verify current placement rates and whether recent graduates are finding design work in their intended fields before committing.