Design and Applied Arts at Western Michigan University

Western Michigan's design program graduates earn substantially more than their peers—beating the national median by $5,500 in year one and landing in the 76th percentile nationally. Among Michigan's 20 design programs, it ranks near the top tier, outperforming state flagships like Michigan State and coming in second only to Eastern Michigan. The $27,000 median debt sits right at the national average, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69—meaning graduates owe less than 70% of their first-year salary.

The real story here is trajectory. Earnings jump 46% between year one and year four, reaching $57,000—a level that puts this program in a different category from most design degrees. This growth pattern suggests graduates are landing positions with real advancement potential rather than getting stuck in entry-level creative work. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes vary, but the overall numbers point to a program that's built strong industry connections.

For families weighing design programs in Michigan, this represents one of the strongest earning outcomes available in-state. The combination of above-average starting salaries and strong mid-career growth makes the debt load defensible in a field where many programs struggle to deliver positive returns.