Design and Applied Arts at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt's Design and Applied Arts program shows troubling outcomes that warrant serious concern, though the very small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers might not be reliable. First-year earnings of $19,028 land in the bottom 10% of Illinois programs and the bottom 5% nationally—less than $1,600 per month before taxes. Compare that to Illinois State ($39,287) or even the state median ($30,083), and you're looking at a $11,000-20,000 annual gap that compounds significantly over a career.

The $27,000 debt load is close to typical for design programs, but paired with sub-$20,000 earnings, the 1.42 debt-to-income ratio creates an immediate financial strain. At these income levels, standard loan payments would consume roughly 20-25% of pre-tax income—a burden that typically forces graduates into extended repayment plans or forbearance. Even nearby University of Illinois Chicago delivers 80% higher first-year earnings with similar debt.

The small sample size offers some hope that these numbers are a fluke rather than the norm, but they align with concerns about accessibility-focused institutions where outcomes sometimes lag despite good intentions. If your child is set on this program, demand current placement data, alumni outcomes, and specific career support details before committing. Otherwise, the in-state alternatives deliver dramatically stronger returns for similar or lower costs.