Design and Applied Arts at University of Minnesota-Duluth

Minnesota-Duluth's design program produces graduates who earn significantly less than most in-state alternatives, landing in the bottom half both statewide and nationally. With first-year earnings of $31,337—about $3,300 below the Minnesota median and $7,100 behind University of Minnesota-Twin Cities—your student would be starting their career at a noticeable disadvantage. Even smaller programs like Bemidji State and Moorhead State deliver substantially better outcomes, suggesting this isn't simply a Twin Cities market advantage.

The $24,800 debt load is manageable in absolute terms and actually below state and national averages for design programs. That's the good news. The 22% earnings growth over four years is respectable, pushing graduates closer to $38,000, though still leaving them in the middle of the pack. The concerning element is that with an 82% admission rate, students have access to better-performing alternatives in the state system without needing dramatically different credentials.

If your child is set on UMD for location or campus culture, this program won't saddle them with crushing debt. But Minnesota offers at least four design programs with materially stronger earnings outcomes, making it worth exploring whether Twin Cities, Bemidji, or Moorhead might serve their career prospects better. The market clearly values graduates from these other programs more highly.