Design and Applied Arts at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

UNL's Design and Applied Arts program produces earnings that beat 73% of similar programs nationally, yet it sits just below the Nebraska median—a reflection of how competitive the state's design programs are rather than a weakness of this particular option. At $38,585 first-year, graduates earn $5,000 more than the national typical design grad, though they trail Bellevue University by about $700. The real advantage here is cost: at $21,500 in debt, students borrow $5,000 less than the national median and $4,000 less than Nebraska's typical design graduate.

The 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that translates to roughly $240 monthly payments consuming 7-8% of gross income. This is significantly better than many design programs, where debt often exceeds first-year earnings entirely. The combination of above-average earnings and below-average debt creates breathing room for young graduates navigating entry-level design salaries.

For families choosing between Nebraska's design programs, UNL offers a strong middle ground: competitive earnings with notably lower debt than alternatives. The moderate sample size suggests a stable but not massive program, which often means more faculty attention. If your child is committed to design and prefers a flagship university environment, this represents solid value—particularly compared to the debt loads common at private art schools.