Design and Applied Arts at Fox Valley Technical College
with a mid-sized student body of 6,004 in Appleton, WI.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $32,673/yr, edging above the $28,654 national average for Design and Applied Arts — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 37.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Design and Applied Arts programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Design and Applied Arts's career paths, with 38% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.
At $10,684 in median debt against $32,673 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #27 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Fox Valley Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $36,286 are relatively flat compared to the $32,673 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
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
See the full career breakdown for Design and Applied Arts — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Fox Valley Technical College and 91 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Design and Applied Arts Overview
Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Fox Valley Technical College
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