Design and Applied Arts at Stevenson University

Stevenson's Design and Applied Arts program starts rough but recovers impressively—graduates earn just $28,000 initially, well below the national average of $34,000. However, within four years, earnings jump 73% to $48,000, surpassing most national benchmarks. This trajectory suggests the program may emphasize skills that take time to monetize, perhaps through freelance work or portfolio development rather than immediate corporate employment.

The debt load of $27,000 is reasonable and nearly matches first-year earnings, but the real story is Maryland context. This program sits at the 60th percentile among Maryland design schools—middle of the pack for the state—despite ranking only 25th percentile nationally. That's largely because Maryland's design market appears weaker overall, with the state median matching Stevenson's exactly at $28,000. Even Maryland Institute College of Art, a specialized art school, sees similar starting salaries.

For families committed to keeping their student in Maryland, this represents a viable option if your child can weather lean early years. The strong earnings growth and manageable debt suggest graduates eventually find their footing. However, if your student is willing to look out-of-state, they could likely find programs with stronger starting positions—the national market pays 20% more right out of the gate, which matters significantly when building a creative career.