Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry at Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU's craft design program starts at $21,237—about $4,000 below the already-modest national average for this field—but graduates see meaningful income growth, reaching $29,063 by year four. That 37% earnings increase is notable in a creative field where many programs show flat trajectories. The concerning part? This program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for earnings, meaning 95% of comparable craft programs produce higher-earning graduates right out of school.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $19,500, graduates borrow about $5,500 less than the national median for craft programs, keeping the debt burden manageable relative to those modest starting salaries. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.92 means you're looking at less than a year's salary in loans—better than many creative programs achieve. Since VCU is the only Virginia school offering this degree, state comparisons don't illuminate much, but the relatively low debt suggests in-state tuition is helping contain costs.

For parents, this is a program where passion must outweigh financial returns. Your child will start below poverty-line wages and need years to reach a livable salary, even with the positive growth trend. If they're committed to craft as a career and willing to supplement income early on (think side hustles or part-time work), the manageable debt won't trap them. But if they're uncertain about the field, they'd be better served exploring craft through electives while pursuing a degree with stronger earning potential.