Design and Applied Arts at Monroe Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 7,737 in Rochester, NY.
Program Analysis
Monroe Community College's Design and Applied Arts program produces graduates earning $27,718/yr — within striking distance of the $28,654 national average for this trade.
With a 34.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 30% 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 — $8,000 in median debt clears fast against $27,718 in annual earnings.
A #45 ranking among 92 Design and Applied Arts programs places Monroe Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
A 39% earnings increase from $27,718 to $38,571 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
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
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 Monroe Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.