Design and Applied Arts at Alexandria Technical & Community College
a compact campus enrolling 1,438 students in Alexandria, MN.
Program Analysis
At $31,830 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Alexandria Technical & Community College earn slightly above the $28,654 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The 33.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 23% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Design and Applied Arts graduates.
The median debt load of $12,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ranked #31 out of 92 programs, Alexandria Technical & Community College's Design and Applied Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $31,830 to $41,084 shows 29% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
With 9 registered apprenticeships mapped to Design and Applied Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Design and Applied Arts graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art directors | $111,040 | +4.2% | 50% |
| Architecture teachers, postsecondary | $101,480 | +2.0% | 51% |
| Special effects artists and animators | $99,800 | +1.6% | 48% |
Design and Applied Arts Career Guide
Explore what Design and Applied Arts graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 92 programs nationwide.
Compare & Explore
Design and Applied Arts Overview
Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Alexandria Technical & Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.