Design and Applied Arts at University of Dayton

University of Dayton's design program produces first-year earnings of $43,609—substantially higher than most design programs in Ohio, where the state median sits at just $26,464. This places graduates near the top of the state comparison pool, trailing only Cincinnati but outperforming established programs at Ohio State and Miami. While the debt figure is estimated at $27,000 based on similar programs at the school, that would translate to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62, suggesting manageable repayment even in design fields that aren't known for high starting salaries.

The four-year trajectory to $50,910 shows solid 17% growth, though it's worth noting that these are still moderate absolute earnings compared to more lucrative fields. What matters here is context: compared to other design programs nationally and especially within Ohio, Dayton appears to deliver stronger career outcomes. The school's selective admissions and limited Pell enrollment suggest a well-resourced student body, which may contribute to networking advantages in creative industries where connections often matter as much as credentials.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether their student is committed to design work specifically. If so, Dayton's track record relative to peer programs is encouraging—but recognize that the $27,000 debt estimate comes from institutional patterns rather than this program's actual graduates, making it an informed guess rather than a guarantee.