Design and Applied Arts at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's Design and Applied Arts program delivers slightly above-average outcomes in a field where most graduates struggle financially. With first-year earnings of $35,878—beating both the national median ($33,563) and ranking in the 61st percentile nationally—graduates start ahead of peers at most art programs. The debt load of $33,260 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.93, meaning graduates earn roughly what they borrowed in their first year.

What makes this program particularly attractive is the debt picture. At just the 5th percentile for debt nationally, SNHU keeps borrowing well below typical levels for design programs, where the national median debt is $26,880. Among New Hampshire's limited options for this field, the program performs solidly in the middle of the pack for both earnings and debt. The 19% earnings growth from year one to four shows promising career trajectory, with graduates reaching $42,755 by their fourth year.

For families considering art and design education, this represents a relatively safe bet in a notoriously challenging field. The combination of reasonable debt and above-average starting salaries addresses the biggest concern most parents have about creative degrees—whether their child can actually make a living.