Design and Applied Arts at Des Moines Area Community College
enrolling 10,406 students in Ankeny, IA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $25,265/yr, roughly in line with the $28,654 national median for Design and Applied Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 37.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Design and Applied Arts programs nationally.
The 40% 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.
Median debt of $13,000 represents roughly 6 months of the $25,265 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
Ranked #48 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Des Moines Area Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $44,720 show a 77% jump from the $25,265 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
Design and Applied Arts opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.
Compare & Explore
Design and Applied Arts Overview
Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Des Moines Area Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.