Design and Applied Arts, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Design and Applied Arts, Other.: The DTI for this program is 75.9%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Design and Applied Arts, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $31859) to the average debt ($24172) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Design and Applied Arts, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 75.9%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Design and Applied Arts, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($31859) against the typical student debt ($24172), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Design and Applied Arts, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $31859, and with an average debt of $24172, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.76—which is about average for college grads.
This program sees about 36019 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Design and Applied Arts, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Design and Applied Arts, Other (CIP 50.0499) is a broad, interdisciplinary creative field focused on applying artistic principles to practical, functional, and real-world design problems. This classification includes design programs that do not fit neatly into a single category such as graphic design, industrial design, or fashion design, often blending multiple disciplines into a flexible, application-driven curriculum. It reflects how modern design work increasingly crosses boundaries between art, technology, business, and human experience.
For a degree search site, Design and Applied Arts, Other represents versatility, employability, and creative problem-solving. Nearly every industry relies on design to communicate ideas, improve usability, and create meaningful experiences. This degree appeals to students who want a creative career that balances aesthetics with function and allows them to work across industries rather than being locked into one narrow design role.
What Is a Design and Applied Arts Degree?
A Design and Applied Arts, Other degree is a studio- and project-based program that teaches students how to use design thinking and artistic skills to solve practical problems. Programs under the “Other” designation often combine elements of visual design, product design, spatial design, digital media, and craft-based practices into a single, adaptable pathway.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Applied design principles and visual communication
- Creative problem-solving and design thinking
- Material, digital, and mixed-media processes
- User-focused and context-aware design
- Professional practice and project development
Colleges, art schools, and universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for flexible design and creative industry careers
- Support interdisciplinary and emerging design practices
- Bridge fine art creativity with real-world application
- Train designers for evolving professional environments
Design and applied arts programs emphasize portfolios, collaboration, and real-world relevance.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how to transform abstract ideas into usable, effective, and visually compelling solutions. You’ll study core design foundations—such as composition, color, typography, form, and space—while applying them to practical challenges.
The curriculum emphasizes learning by doing. Students work on design briefs, collaborative projects, and iterative problem-solving exercises that simulate professional workflows. Programs often encourage experimentation across materials and platforms, helping students develop a flexible creative toolkit and a strong sense of design intent.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Design thinking and problem-solving—human-centered solutions
- Visual communication and composition—clarity and impact
- Concept development and ideation—from idea to execution
- Applied art and design techniques—practical creation
- Digital and analog tool proficiency—software and materials
- User- and context-aware design—function meets aesthetics
- Project planning and iteration—refinement through feedback
- Portfolio development—professional presentation
These skills translate across creative, technical, and business-oriented roles.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies widely but often includes:
- Foundations of Design and Visual Thinking: form and meaning
- Applied Arts Studio: hands-on design projects
- Digital Media and Design Tools: software-based creation
- Material and Process Exploration: physical and mixed media
- Design for Communication or Experience: messaging and interaction
- History of Design and Applied Arts: cultural context
- Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Design: team-based work
- Professional Practices for Designers: client and workflow skills
- Capstone or Portfolio Project: cohesive final body of work
Programs often allow students to tailor projects toward specific interests such as branding, product concepts, spatial design, or digital experiences.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Design and Applied Arts, Other degree prepares students for a wide range of creative and design-adjacent roles. Career paths are often flexible and portfolio-driven rather than title-specific.
Common career paths include:
- Designer or Applied Artist: interdisciplinary creative roles
- Visual or Communication Designer: messaging and branding
- Product or Experience Design Assistant: concept development
- Creative Technologist or Studio Assistant: mixed-media work
- Exhibit, Spatial, or Environmental Design Support: physical spaces
- Creative Project Coordinator: design workflow support
- Freelance or Independent Creative: client-based projects
Many graduates grow into specialized roles as their interests and portfolios evolve.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments where design and creativity intersect with function:
- Design studios and creative agencies
- Marketing, branding, and advertising firms
- Technology and product-focused companies
- Museums, cultural institutions, and exhibits
- Architecture, interior, or environmental design firms
- Manufacturing or product development teams
- Freelance, remote, or independent studios
Design and applied arts professionals often work across multiple sectors during their careers.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary based on role, specialization, location, and experience.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level design or applied arts roles: often $40,000–$55,000
- Experienced designers or applied artists: commonly $55,000–$85,000
- Senior creatives, specialists, or freelancers: can reach $90,000–$120,000+
Specialization, strong portfolios, and client-facing skills often increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
Design and Applied Arts, Other is considered creatively demanding rather than academically rigid. Students must balance creativity with structure, accept critique, and iterate on their work repeatedly. Time management and self-motivation are critical, especially during project-heavy semesters.
The challenge lies in translating ideas into effective, real-world design solutions.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy creative problem-solving and visual thinking
- Like blending art with practical application
- Want flexibility across creative industries
- Prefer project-based learning environments
- Are interested in design, media, or creative technology
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a design and applied arts program:
- Take art, graphic design, media, or technology courses
- Practice drawing, design, and creative experimentation
- Learn basic design software or digital tools
- Study visual communication and design principles
- Begin building a portfolio of creative projects
Design and Applied Arts, Other (CIP 50.0499) is a flexible and future-ready degree for students who want to apply creativity to real-world challenges. It offers adaptable career paths, cross-industry relevance, and the freedom to evolve as design fields change. For those drawn to both art and application, this degree provides a strong foundation for a dynamic and impactful creative career.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor