Design and Applied Arts at University of Wisconsin-Stout

UW-Stout's design graduates earn substantially more than most of their peers—landing in the 81st percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $40,615, well above the $33,563 national median. The debt load of $27,000 is actually below the national average for design programs, creating a favorable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio. With earnings climbing to $47,390 by year four, graduates show healthy income progression that suggests real career momentum rather than a plateau.

Within Wisconsin, the picture is more nuanced. Stout ranks in the 60th percentile among state programs, trailing Madison's design program by about $9,000 in starting salary. However, Stout's accessible 85% admission rate and lower tuition costs (reflected in that below-average debt load) make it a more realistic option for many Wisconsin families than the flagship campus. You're getting above-average outcomes without the debt premium that often comes with specialized art schools.

For parents concerned about the financial viability of a design degree, this program delivers clear evidence of employability. The combination of below-average debt and well-above-average earnings makes this one of the stronger value propositions in applied arts education, particularly for students who want practical skills training without gambling on acceptance to ultra-selective programs.