Design and Applied Arts at Southwestern College

Similar Design and Applied Arts programs in Kansas suggest first-year earnings around $35,500—a figure that lands slightly above the national median for this field but well below what graduates from Kansas State or KU typically earn. With estimated debt of $27,000, you're looking at a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76, which keeps monthly loan payments manageable at roughly 10% of gross income under standard repayment plans.

The challenge here is understanding what drives that $8,000 earnings gap between Southwestern and the state's flagship programs. Design fields often reward portfolio quality and networking opportunities more than the credential itself, so smaller programs can succeed if they offer strong mentorship and industry connections. Conversely, they can struggle if employers in Kansas City or Wichita primarily recruit from larger schools. The 39% Pell Grant rate suggests Southwestern serves many first-generation students, which could mean fewer family connections to creative industries—an important consideration in fields where "who you know" matters considerably.

Before committing, your family should investigate where recent Southwestern design graduates actually land jobs and whether the program provides meaningful access to internships in Kansas's limited creative markets. The debt load isn't alarming, but in a field where freelancing and contract work are common, that estimated $35,500 might represent a ceiling rather than a starting point for many graduates.