Design and Applied Arts at Portland State University

Portland State's design program shows something rare in creative fields: strong earnings momentum that transforms an modest start into solid mid-career returns. While graduates earn $35,304 in their first year—roughly on par with state and national averages—by year four they're making $55,000, a 56% jump that outpaces typical growth patterns. Among Oregon's eight design programs, PSU ranks in the 60th percentile, ahead of larger names like University of Oregon ($28,844) and well ahead of specialized art schools like Pacific Northwest College of Art ($19,501).

The financial structure works in students' favor here. With typical debt under $27,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76, graduates face manageable loan payments even during that lower-earning first year. By year four, when earnings approach $55,000, the debt burden becomes quite comfortable—this is one of the better debt pictures nationally for design programs.

For parents weighing creative degree paths, PSU offers something valuable: a practical on-ramp to the design industry without the crushing debt loads that often accompany art school. The accessibility matters too—with a 91% admission rate and 40% of students on Pell grants, this isn't an exclusive program that gates opportunity. It's a workable path for students serious about design careers who understand they'll need to build their earnings through experience rather than starting at the top.