Design and Applied Arts at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's Design and Applied Arts program delivers significantly better outcomes than the national market—graduates earn $42,585 in their first year, nearly $9,000 above the national median and well into the top quartile nationally. The $26,000 in typical debt translates to a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates face about seven months of their salary in educational debt. That's a reasonable investment for a creative field that typically struggles with lower starting salaries.

The state-level picture requires some context: Delaware only has three schools offering this program, and UDelaware sits at the median. The 60th percentile ranking sounds modest, but with so few options, it simply reflects limited in-state competition rather than underperformance. What matters more is how graduates fare against the broader national market, where this program clearly excels.

For parents weighing the costs, this program offers a relatively rare combination in the arts: strong earnings potential without crushing debt. While creative fields don't typically match STEM or business salaries, UDelaware's graduates start with nearly $10,000 more than their peers at most other schools. If your child is committed to design, this represents a practical path that balances creative education with financial viability.