Design and Applied Arts at Nashville State Community College

Nashville, TN · Public · Associate Degree

a smaller institution with 4,931 students in Nashville, TN.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $27,412/yr, roughly in line with the $28,654 national median for Design and Applied Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 31.9x 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.

Ranked #52 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Nashville State Community College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

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

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
44
Score
46
High End
Earnings $27,412/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$287K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
31.9x
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 (In-State)
$8,996
Out-of-state: $35,396
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$29,716
8% 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

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.

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 Nashville State Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Nashville State Community College?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the AI risk for Design and Applied Arts graduates from Nashville State Community College?
AI won't eliminate Design and Applied Arts careers, but it may reshape them. At Nashville State Community College, a score of 44/100 already accounts for the 38% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Design and Applied Arts graduates?
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 Nashville State Community College.
What's the job market like for Design and Applied Arts from Nashville State Community College?
The career paths mapped to Design and Applied Arts have roughly 101,000 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →