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

Analysis

Rasmussen's Design and Applied Arts program graduates into the bottom tier of Minnesota's creative industry market. At $32,482, first-year earnings fall roughly $8,000 below the state median and trail every major Minnesota competitor—from University of Minnesota's $42,462 to Northwestern's $38,000. This 40th percentile state ranking suggests the program struggles to connect graduates with higher-paying design positions.

The debt burden amplifies the concern. At $35,438, graduates carry 31% more debt than the typical Minnesota design student, placing this program in the 5th percentile nationally for debt levels—meaning 95% of design programs nationwide saddle students with less debt. With debt exceeding first-year earnings, graduates face approximately three years of payments at standard rates, all while earning below what peers at public universities in Minnesota command.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly, but the pattern is troubling for a for-profit institution where half the students receive Pell grants. For families considering a design degree in Minnesota, the public university options deliver $6,000-$10,000 more in starting salary with substantially lower debt. Unless this program offers unique career services or industry connections not reflected in the data, state schools represent a clearer path to financial stability.

Where Rasmussen University-Minnesota Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Rasmussen University-Minnesota graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

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

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Rasmussen University-MinnesotaSt. Cloud	$10,899	$32,482	—	$35,438	1.09
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis	$16,488	$42,462	$56,160	$24,000	0.57
Dunwoody College of TechnologyMinneapolis	$25,659	$40,302	—	—	—
Bemidji State UniversityBemidji	$10,164	$40,231	$37,053	$27,000	0.67
Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead	$10,336	$38,587	$44,640	$27,000	0.70
University of Northwestern-St PaulSaint Paul	$36,830	$37,966	—	—	—
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-Minnesota, approximately 51% 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.