Design and Applied Arts at Oregon State University

Oregon State's Design and Applied Arts program demonstrates unusual trajectory strength for a creative field, with graduates seeing nearly 40% earnings growth within their first four years. That $35,614 starting salary climbs to nearly $50,000 by year four—a pattern more typical of STEM fields than arts programs, where early-career earnings often plateau.

The program ties for the highest first-year earnings among Oregon's eight schools offering this degree, matching its sister campus at Cascades. More importantly, the $23,419 debt load sits below both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio. While that ratio isn't exceptional, the strong upward earnings trajectory suggests graduates gain marketable skills that compound over time. This outperforms more expensive in-state options like Pacific Northwest College of Art, where graduates start at just $19,500.

The real question is whether your student can leverage OSU's combination of technical training and creative development into industries that value both—think UX design, digital media, or product development rather than fine arts. The earnings growth suggests many graduates successfully make this transition. For families worried about creative degrees leading to financial instability, this program offers a relatively lower-risk entry point with clear evidence of career progression.