Analysis
Oakland University's Design and Applied Arts program starts slow but shows impressive momentum. First-year graduates earn $30,687—below both the Michigan median ($34,045) and national average—but by year four, earnings jump to $40,683, outpacing all but one competing program in the state. That 33% growth trajectory is notable in a creative field where early-career earnings often stagnate.
The debt picture makes this growth matter even more. At $27,954, graduates carry essentially average debt for the program while their fourth-year earnings eventually exceed what peers at Michigan State or Central Michigan achieve. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.91 means manageable payments from day one, and as earnings climb, that burden shrinks considerably.
The tradeoff here is patience. Your child will likely struggle more financially in those first couple years after graduation compared to peers at Western Michigan or Eastern Michigan. But for families comfortable weathering that initial period—perhaps with parental support or a side job—this program offers a credible path to competitive mid-career earnings at a reasonable debt level. Just know you're banking on year 2-4 growth that the data suggests is happening, but isn't guaranteed for every graduate.
Where Oakland University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Oakland University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland University | $30,687 | $40,683 | +33% |
| Western Michigan University | $39,077 | $57,047 | +46% |
| College for Creative Studies | $32,665 | $55,614 | +70% |
| Central Michigan University | $36,917 | $51,538 | +40% |
| Michigan State University | $36,784 | $47,546 | +29% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Oakland UniversityRochester Hills | $14,694 | $30,687 | $40,683 | $27,954 | 0.91 |
 Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo | $15,298 | $39,077 | $57,047 | $27,000 | 0.69 |
 Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti | $15,510 | $38,443 | — | — | — |
 Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant | $14,190 | $36,917 | $51,538 | $28,500 | 0.77 |
 Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing | $15,988 | $36,784 | $47,546 | $28,175 | 0.77 |
 Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids | $13,630 | $34,045 | $39,209 | $27,000 | 0.79 |
| 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 Oakland University, approximately 30% 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 80 graduates with reported earnings and 74 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.