Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree) at Upper Iowa University

Analysis

Upper Iowa's Design and Applied Arts program struggles to justify its $39,780 debt burden, which is nearly $13,000 above both the national and Iowa medians for this field. First-year graduates earn $31,122—below the state median of $34,344 and ranking in just the 40th percentile among Iowa programs. When University of Northern Iowa graduates in the same field earn $38,637 and Iowa State graduates earn $37,565, the gap is substantial enough that parents should carefully weigh alternatives.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.28 means graduates face debt totaling more than a full year's salary, a difficult position for a creative field where early-career earnings are already modest. While design careers can build over time through portfolio development and client relationships, starting $8,000 behind your peers at other Iowa schools makes that trajectory harder. The program's small size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty—these numbers might not reflect typical outcomes.

For families considering this program, the math points toward exploring other Iowa options first. The financial difference between this program and the state's stronger alternatives isn't marginal—it could mean thousands of dollars in breathing room during those crucial early career years when designers are building their practice.

Where Upper Iowa University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Upper Iowa University graduates compare to all programs nationally

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
Upper Iowa UniversityFayette	$19,000	$31,122	—	$39,780	1.28
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
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

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 Upper Iowa University, approximately 33% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.