Design and Applied Arts at Interior Designers Institute
with a smaller student body of 107 in Newport Beach, CA.
Program Analysis
Interior Designers Institute Design and Applied Arts graduates command $52,768/yr out of the gate, well above the $28,654 national median. That 84% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
With a 13.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Design and Applied Arts career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $24,500 in median debt clears fast against $52,768 in annual earnings.
A #25 ranking among 92 Design and Applied Arts programs places Interior Designers Institute in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
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
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
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.