Analysis
University of Northern Iowa's Design and Applied Arts program outperforms most competitors—both nationally and within Iowa—despite the state's relatively modest design market. With first-year earnings of $38,637, graduates here earn more than three-quarters of design programs nationwide and beat Iowa's state median by over $4,000. The $25,100 debt load translates to a manageable 0.65 ratio, meaning graduates owe less than two-thirds of their starting salary.
The real strength shows up in the trajectory: earnings climb 18% to $45,719 by year four, suggesting graduates are building sustainable careers rather than hitting quick plateaus. Among Iowa's 17 design programs, UNI ranks second only to Iowa State while charging significantly less in typical debt. For an in-state student, that combination of strong placement and reasonable cost makes this one of the better bets in the region.
The moderate sample size and UNI's open admission (94% acceptance rate) mean your student won't face cutthroat competition to enter the program, though success still depends on developing marketable skills. If they're serious about design and planning to stay in the Midwest, this program delivers solid returns without the crushing debt that plagues many art-school graduates. The earnings advantage over Iowa's median persists even after accounting for cost of living.
Where University of Northern Iowa Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Northern Iowa graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Northern Iowa | $38,637 | $45,719 | +18% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $66,274 | $126,932 | +92% |
| Northeastern University | $49,727 | $81,078 | +63% |
| Grand View University | $26,996 | $51,741 | +92% |
| Iowa State University | $37,565 | $49,449 | +32% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Northern IowaCedar Falls | $9,728 | $38,637 | $45,719 | $25,100 | 0.65 |
 Iowa State UniversityAmes | $10,497 | $37,565 | $49,449 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
 Upper Iowa UniversityFayette | $19,000 | $31,122 | — | $39,780 | 1.28 |
 Grand View UniversityDes Moines | $33,450 | $26,996 | $51,741 | $24,574 | 0.91 |
| National Median | — | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Fashion Designers
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Interior Designers
Graphic Designers
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Northern Iowa, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.