Design and Applied Arts at University of Advancing Technology
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Starting at $30,640, University of Advancing Technology's design graduates earn roughly $5,000 less than the Arizona median and trail behind every major state competitor—including ASU, Grand Canyon, and Northern Arizona. Among Arizona design programs, this lands in just the 40th percentile. The debt load of $27,895 isn't catastrophic, but when you're earning below-average wages in an already modestly-paid field, that 0.91 debt-to-earnings ratio means spending nearly a full year's salary to pay off loans.
The silver lining here is genuine: UAT keeps costs slightly below the national average for design programs, even if not quite as low as ASU's in-state option. With 58% of students receiving Pell grants and a 95% admission rate, the school clearly serves students who need accessible pathways into tech-adjacent creative fields. But accessibility doesn't automatically mean good value when graduates face below-market earnings.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift, but the pattern is consistent: lower earnings than state peers, debt that's manageable but not exceptional. If your child is considering UAT specifically for its tech-focused design curriculum, compare job placement specifics against ASU's programs, which offer similar specializations at better salary outcomes and potentially lower in-state costs.
Where University of Advancing Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Advancing Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Advancing Technology graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all design and applied arts bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Advancing Technology | $30,640 | — | $27,895 | 0.91 |
| Grand Canyon University | $38,976 | — | $27,000 | 0.69 |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion | $35,960 | — | — | — |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $35,960 | $56,707 | $21,500 | 0.60 |
| Northern Arizona University | $33,964 | $45,404 | $23,245 | 0.68 |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University Phoenix | $17,450 | $38,976 | $27,000 |
| Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale | — | $35,960 | — |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe | $12,051 | $35,960 | $21,500 |
| Northern Arizona University Flagstaff | $12,652 | $33,964 | $23,245 |
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 University of Advancing Technology, approximately 58% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.