Design and Applied Arts at Kirkwood Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 7,438 in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Program Analysis
At $32,116 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Kirkwood Community College earn slightly above the $28,654 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 28.1x 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 0% gap from the optimistic case.
The median debt load of $10,168 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
At #37 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Kirkwood Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
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 Kirkwood Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.