Design and Applied Arts at Ohio University-Southern Campus

The striking story here is the earnings trajectory: graduates start at just $24,716—well below both state and national medians—but nearly double their income to $42,105 within four years. That 70% growth rate is exceptional and suggests this program prepares students for a field where entry positions pay poorly but advancement comes quickly with experience.

However, that strong growth pattern doesn't fully compensate for the rough start. Even at the four-year mark, graduates trail top Ohio programs significantly—Cincinnati's design grads earn $52,526, nearly $10,000 more. The debt load of $26,791 equals the state median, but paired with that $24,716 first-year salary, it creates real financial pressure early on. For comparison, the program ranks at just the 40th percentile among Ohio design programs, meaning 60% of similar in-state options produce better initial outcomes.

The path forward matters here: if your student thrives in environments requiring patience through lean early years and has family support to weather low starting pay, this program could work. But families counting on immediate post-graduation earnings to manage loans should look carefully at those top five Ohio programs, where graduates start earning 70-110% more right out of the gate. The growth potential is genuine, but the financial squeeze in years one and two is real.