Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree) at University of Wisconsin-Parkside

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Wisconsin-Parkside graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (20 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of Wisconsin-ParksideKenosha	$7,855	$36,920	—	$27,000	0.73
University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison	$11,205	$49,780	$51,862	$20,875	0.42
University of Wisconsin-Stevens PointStevens Point	$8,834	$41,243	—	$23,684	0.57
University of Wisconsin-StoutMenomonie	$10,142	$40,615	$47,390	$27,000	0.66
Saint Norbert CollegeDe Pere	$44,432	$37,856	—	$27,000	0.71
Carthage CollegeKenosha	$36,500	$35,511	$42,358	$27,000	0.76
National Median	—	$33,563	—	$26,880	0.80

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates

Art Directors

Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.

$111,040/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

$99,800/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in architecture and architectural design, such as architectural environmental design, interior architecture/design, and landscape architecture. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Fashion Designers

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

$80,690/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

$79,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Set and Exhibit Designers

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

$66,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Interior Designers

Plan, design, and furnish the internal space of rooms or buildings. Design interior environments or create physical layouts that are practical, aesthetic, and conducive to the intended purposes. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

$63,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Graphic Designers

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

$61,300/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Artists and Related Workers, All Other

All artists and related workers not listed separately.

$56,260/yrJobs growth:

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.