Analysis
Alabama's Design and Applied Arts program starts graduates $10,000 ahead of the national median for design degrees, placing them in the 94th percentile nationally—an impressive outcome for a program at a school with a 76% acceptance rate. First-year earnings of $44,215 match the state median exactly, though Auburn edges ahead by about $2,400. The debt load of $26,505 translates to a manageable 0.60 ratio, meaning graduates can expect to pay off their loans with about seven months of earnings.
The trajectory looks solid: earnings grow to $47,102 by year four, a 7% increase that suggests graduates are building viable careers rather than hitting dead ends. With only six programs in Alabama, the regional job market appears healthy enough to support design graduates. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers reflect real outcomes, not outliers.
For parents worried about the "starving artist" stereotype, Alabama's program delivers something more practical. Your child would graduate with above-average earnings potential and reasonable debt, entering a field where they're positioned well above most of their national peers. The combination of strong placement and Alabama's relatively affordable tuition makes this one of the better design degree investments in the region.
Where The University of Alabama Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How The University of Alabama graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | $44,215 | $47,102 | +7% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $66,274 | $126,932 | +92% |
| Northeastern University | $49,727 | $81,078 | +63% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $44,506 | $76,309 | +71% |
| Auburn University | $46,585 | $48,527 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa | $11,900 | $44,215 | $47,102 | $26,505 | 0.60 |
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $46,585 | $48,527 | $26,000 | 0.56 |
 Samford UniversityBirmingham | $38,144 | $41,323 | — | $25,000 | 0.60 |
| National Median | — | $33,563 | — | $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 The University of Alabama, approximately 18% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.