Design and Applied Arts at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL · Private nonprofit · Associate Degree

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale accepts 97% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 17,370 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,360/yr fall 29% below the $28,654 national median for Design and Applied Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 5.4x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 20% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $24,486 against $20,360/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.2 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load for a trade program.

Ranked #87 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $20,360 to $25,603 over five years — a 26% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Design and Applied Arts offers 9 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

33 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
28
Low End
33
Score
35
High End
Earnings $20,360/yr (-29% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$267K
5.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
5.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
14 of 14
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition
$48,272
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,486
14.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,603
26% growth from Year 1

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%
Art directors
$111,040
+4.2% growth 50% AI-proof
Architecture teachers, postsecondary
$101,480
+2.0% growth 51% AI-proof
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800
+1.6% growth 48% AI-proof

View all 14 career paths with full salary data →

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.

Read the full Design and Applied Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Design and Applied Arts Overview

Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale's Design and Applied Arts program score?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Will AI affect Design and Applied Arts careers?
AI won't eliminate Design and Applied Arts careers, but it may reshape them. At Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale, a score of 33/100 already accounts for the 38% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
What's the payoff timeline for Design and Applied Arts from Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Design and Applied Arts earnings lower at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?
Lower starting pay at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Design and Applied Arts program at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale?
Yes — 9 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Design and Applied Arts career paths, including Bank-Note Designer. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale.
Is there demand for Design and Applied Arts workers?
The very large job market (101,000 annual openings) works in favor of Design and Applied Arts graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →