Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree) at Rasmussen University-Kansas

Analysis

This program raises immediate red flags: graduates earn about $3,000 less than the Kansas median for design degrees and carry 36% more debt than typical Kansas graduates in the field. That debt burden ranks in the worst 5% nationally—meaning 95% of design programs nationwide leave students with less debt. With first-year earnings of $32,482 barely covering living expenses, the $35,438 debt burden creates a genuinely challenging financial picture.

The comparison to other Kansas options is stark. Kansas State graduates in this field earn $43,992—35% more than Rasmussen grads. Even Wichita State, at $33,590, edges ahead while likely costing less for in-state students. For a family considering design programs in Kansas, Rasmussen appears to be the most expensive path to the lowest earnings.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift, but that uncertainty cuts both ways—it's not a reason to dismiss the warning signs. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are stretching financially for an education that leaves them behind Kansas peers. Unless this program offers something truly unique that public universities can't match, the combination of below-average earnings and top-tier debt makes it difficult to recommend over established state options.

Where Rasmussen University-Kansas Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Rasmussen University-Kansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (15 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Rasmussen University-KansasTopeka	$15,340	$32,482	—	$35,438	1.09
Kansas State UniversityManhattan	$10,942	$43,992	—	—	—
University of KansasLawrence	$11,700	$37,508	$50,894	$26,000	0.69
Wichita State UniversityWichita	$9,322	$33,590	$38,472	$26,000	0.77
National Median	—	$33,563	—	$26,880	0.80

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

$79,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

$66,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$61,300/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

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 Rasmussen University-Kansas, approximately 57% 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.