Analysis
Sam Houston State's Design and Applied Arts program delivers something rare: above-average earnings with below-average debt. Graduates earn nearly $40,000 right out of the gate—outpacing three-quarters of design programs nationwide and landing solidly in the middle of Texas programs. More importantly, they carry just $29,000 in debt, less than 92% of comparable programs nationally. That creates a manageable debt burden of 0.73 times first-year earnings, well below the concerning thresholds that plague many arts degrees.
The catch is flat earnings—graduates see essentially no income growth between year one and year four. While Houston and UT Austin grads pull ahead by $7,000-8,000, Sam Houston graduates plateau early. For a program at an accessible institution (85% admission rate, serving a substantial Pell population), this could represent either a stable floor or a limited ceiling, depending on career trajectory.
The sample size here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, a handful of outcomes can swing these numbers significantly. Still, the debt-to-earnings fundamentals work. If your child is Texas-bound and considering design work, they'll graduate with less financial pressure than most peers—just understand the trade may involve slower career advancement compared to flagship programs.
Where Sam Houston State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Sam Houston State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston State University | $39,959 | $40,083 | +0% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $44,506 | $76,309 | +71% |
| University of Houston | $47,461 | $54,250 | +14% |
| Texas State University | $44,396 | $54,246 | +22% |
| Baylor University | $39,333 | $51,121 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (33 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville | $9,228 | $39,959 | $40,083 | $29,000 | 0.73 |
 University of HoustonHouston | $9,711 | $47,461 | $54,250 | $27,000 | 0.57 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $44,506 | $76,309 | $22,500 | 0.51 |
 Texas State UniversitySan Marcos | $11,450 | $44,396 | $54,246 | $24,353 | 0.55 |
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $39,333 | $51,121 | $26,500 | 0.67 |
 Abilene Christian UniversityAbilene | $42,380 | $38,553 | — | $21,875 | 0.57 |
| National Median | — | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Fashion Designers
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Interior Designers
Graphic Designers
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
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 Sam Houston State University, approximately 40% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.