Design and Applied Arts at Chattanooga State Community College
a smaller institution with 4,689 students in Chattanooga, TN.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $20,165 place Chattanooga State Community College below the $28,654 national median for Design and Applied Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 36.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Design and Applied Arts programs nationally.
The 39% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 38% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Design and Applied Arts graduates.
With first-year pay of $20,165 far exceeding the $9,288 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #62 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Chattanooga State Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $31,084 show a 54% jump from the $20,165 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
Design and Applied Arts offers 9 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 Chattanooga State Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.