Design and Applied Arts at Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College's Design and Applied Arts program stands out dramatically in Michigan's landscape—$38,657 in first-year earnings puts it nearly double the state median of $19,911 and well above what graduates from Henry Ford or Macomb typically earn. These earnings, combined with an estimated debt load around $13,625 based on comparable associate programs, create a notably favorable financial picture for a two-year credential.

That earnings advantage matters practically. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, graduates could theoretically dedicate 10% of their gross income to loan payments and clear this debt in under four years—a manageable timeline for an associate degree. The program's strong performance relative to peers suggests Oakland has either built particularly effective industry connections in the Detroit metro area or attracts students into higher-paying design specializations. Keep in mind these debt figures are estimates drawn from similar programs nationally, so your child's actual borrowing could vary.

The caveat worth considering: the Department of Education suppressed the actual graduate count here, which typically means fewer than 10 students completed this program in the reporting year. That small cohort size makes it harder to verify whether these outcomes are sustainable year-over-year or represent a particularly successful group. If your child is serious about design work and can confirm the program aligns with their specific career goals, the financial fundamentals look solid—just verify current class sizes and job placement support before committing.