Design and Applied Arts at University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW-Parkside's Design and Applied Arts program hits the sweet spot for Wisconsin families: above-average earnings with below-average debt. At $36,920 starting salary, graduates earn more than 60% of their peers across the state and 66% nationwide—respectable performance for a regional university charging far less tuition than flagship schools. The $27,000 debt load sits at the 25th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of similar programs leave students owing more.
The caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates, these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. That said, the fundamentals look solid—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means manageable monthly payments for most entry-level design salaries. While UW-Madison's design grads earn $13,000 more initially, they likely borrowed significantly more to get there. For students who need an affordable path into creative fields, Parkside delivers middle-of-the-pack outcomes without the crushing debt burden that plagues many art programs.
This is a viable option for Wisconsin residents, especially those balancing cost concerns with career preparation. The program won't catapult you to the top of the field, but it won't bury you in debt either—a fair trade for many families.
Where University of Wisconsin-Parkside Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all design and applied arts bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (20 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | $36,920 | — | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $49,780 | $51,862 | $20,875 | 0.42 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | $41,243 | — | $23,684 | 0.57 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | $40,615 | $47,390 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Saint Norbert College | $37,856 | — | $27,000 | 0.71 |
| Carthage College | $35,511 | $42,358 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $49,780 | $20,875 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point | $8,834 | $41,243 | $23,684 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie | $10,142 | $40,615 | $27,000 |
| Saint Norbert College De Pere | $44,432 | $37,856 | $27,000 |
| Carthage College Kenosha | $36,500 | $35,511 | $27,000 |
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 Wisconsin-Parkside, approximately 34% 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.