Design and Applied Arts at Arapahoe Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 5,392 in Littleton, CO.
Program Analysis
At $32,100 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Arapahoe Community College earn slightly above the $28,654 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
With a 53.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
Career paths for Design and Applied Arts carry above-average AI exposure (38% of tasks). The 30% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.
The median debt load of $15,125 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Arapahoe Community College ranks #17 among 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 40% earnings increase from $32,100 to $44,854 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 9 apprenticeship pathways connected to Design and Applied Arts reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
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
From day-one roles to senior positions, Design and Applied Arts careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering arts & design.
Compare & Explore
Design and Applied Arts Overview
Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Arapahoe Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.