Human Computer Interaction at Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD's Human Computer Interaction bachelor's delivers an immediate payoff that's hard to ignore: $83,500 in first-year earnings, which lands at the 75th percentile nationally for this specialized program. With just $24,500 in typical debt, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of work—one of the more compelling financial pictures you'll find at a private art college. Being the only school in Georgia offering this degree gives SCAD a unique advantage in the state market, though nationally there are only 16 other programs to compare against.

The caveat worth noting: SCAD serves primarily out-of-state students (only 19% receive Pell grants, suggesting a wealthier student body), and this program's relatively high debt percentile indicates many students are borrowing more than peers at other HCI programs. Still, when first-year earnings can nearly triple the debt load, that calculation works. The 84% admission rate means access isn't particularly selective, but the specialized nature of HCI means your child needs genuine interest in the intersection of design and technology—this isn't a fallback major.

For families who can manage the private school sticker price or qualify for significant aid, this is one of SCAD's strongest ROI programs. The combination of strong immediate earnings and manageable debt makes it worth serious consideration, especially if your child is drawn to UX design or product development careers.