Design and Applied Arts at Ohio University-Lancaster Campus

That $24,716 first-year salary is genuinely concerning—landing this program in the bottom 11th percentile nationally—but here's what complicates the picture: graduates see their earnings jump 70% by year four, reaching $42,105. That growth trajectory suggests graduates are likely entering the field in entry-level or part-time positions before transitioning into more stable design work. Even with that improvement, four-year earnings still trail Ohio's top programs by significant margins (UC graduates earn $10,000 more annually at that same point).

The debt load of $26,791 looks manageable against year-four earnings, but parents should focus on that critical first year when graduates owe more than they earn. That initial period—when student loans enter repayment—creates real financial pressure, likely requiring family support or side income to stay current. Among Ohio's 42 design programs, this one sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt, making it a middle-of-the-pack choice rather than a standout value.

The fundamental question is whether your family can weather 1-2 years of below-living-wage earnings while your child establishes themselves. If they'll be living at home or if you can provide financial support during that launch phase, the eventual $42,000 salary makes the degree viable. Without that safety net, the slow earnings start becomes a serious financial risk, regardless of the later growth.