Design and Applied Arts at University of Houston

University of Houston's design program posts impressive first-year earnings of $47,461—far above the national median of $33,563 and even ahead of UT Austin's $44,506. That's a significant achievement for a program at an accessible institution where 41% of students receive Pell grants. The debt load of $27,000 is reasonable given these earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio of just 0.57. Graduates see continued income growth to $54,250 by year four, suggesting the degree opens doors beyond entry-level work.

The catch is context: while this program dominates nationally (95th percentile), it sits at the 60th percentile among Texas schools. That's still above the state median of $38,553, but reflects the generally strong performance of Texas design programs overall. More importantly, the sample size here is small—under 30 graduates—which means these numbers could shift significantly year to year as the program's alumni base expands.

For families prioritizing affordability and outcomes, this program delivers strong earnings with manageable debt, outperforming most design programs nationwide. Just recognize that the small sample means you're betting on a trajectory that might not be fully established yet. If your child is committed to design and wants to stay in Houston—a major market for creative work—the combination of value and access makes this worth serious consideration.