Analysis
A Design and Applied Arts bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University appears positioned near the middle of Texas's design education landscape, though we're working with estimates drawn from peer programs rather than TWU's actual graduate outcomes. Similar programs across Texas suggest first-year earnings around $38,500βa figure that lands just below the state median but well above the national benchmark of $33,500. That regional advantage matters in creative fields where local market dynamics heavily influence entry-level opportunities.
The estimated debt load of $23,400 creates a manageable ratio of 0.61, meaning graduates would owe roughly seven months of first-year income. This compares favorably to the national median debt of nearly $27,000 for design programs. For a school serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (40%), keeping borrowing below both state and national averages while producing competitive earnings represents a practical pathway into the field.
The uncertainty here is realβTWU's actual outcomes could vary from these peer-based estimates. But the fundamentals suggest reasonable value: estimated earnings that compete respectably with reported figures from schools like Sam Houston State, debt levels below typical for the field, and access to the Dallas-Fort Worth creative economy. If your child is serious about design and TWU's specific program offerings align with their goals, these estimated numbers don't wave red flags. Just know you're making this decision with less concrete data than you'd ideally want.
Where Texas Woman's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,648 | $38,553* | β | $23,427* | β | |
| $9,711 | $47,461* | $54,250 | $27,000* | 0.57 | |
| $11,678 | $44,506* | $76,309 | $22,500* | 0.51 | |
| $11,450 | $44,396* | $54,246 | $24,353* | 0.55 | |
| $9,228 | $39,959* | $40,083 | $29,000* | 0.73 | |
| $54,844 | $39,333* | $51,121 | $26,500* | 0.67 | |
| National Median | β | $33,563* | β | $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 Texas Woman's 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.