Design and Applied Arts at Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Rasmussen's Design and Applied Arts associate degree commands a significant tuition premium—graduates leave with double the debt load typical for this field nationally ($28,722 vs. $14,454). That's a real concern, especially since nearly half of students here rely on Pell grants. However, graduates are outearning their peers: first-year earnings of $32,246 place this program in the 75th percentile nationally, meaning it beats three-quarters of similar programs across the country.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 means graduates owe roughly 11 months of their first-year salary, which is manageable compared to many programs but still represents a substantial burden for an associate degree. In North Dakota's limited market (only 4 schools offer this program), this sits at the 60th percentile for earnings—solid but not exceptional locally. The sample size of 30-100 graduates provides reasonable confidence in these figures, though outcomes will naturally vary by individual.

For families seeking an associate degree in design fields, this program delivers above-average earning potential but at a premium price. If your student can minimize borrowing through scholarships or family contributions, the earnings advantage makes this worthwhile. At full sticker price with maximum loans, however, you're paying considerably more than typical programs for a moderate earnings bump—a calculation that depends heavily on your family's financial situation and access to lower-cost alternatives.