Design and Applied Arts at Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Fargo, ND · Private for-profit · Associate Degree

a compact campus enrolling 44 students in Fargo, ND.

Program Analysis

Rasmussen University-North Dakota's Design and Applied Arts graduates start at $32,246/yr — above the $28,654 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 13.3x 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.

Median debt of $23,820 represents roughly 9 months of the $32,246 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #53 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Rasmussen University-North Dakota 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.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
45
High End
Earnings $32,246/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$337K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
13.3x
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
$25,430
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,820
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings

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

Design and Applied Arts opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

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 Rasmussen University-North Dakota

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Design and Applied Arts at Rasmussen University-North Dakota?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Design and Applied Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Design and Applied Arts at Rasmussen University-North Dakota?
AI exposure of 38% is a real factor. For Rasmussen University-North Dakota specifically, the gap between optimistic ($337,364) and pessimistic ($337,364) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Design and Applied Arts program at Rasmussen University-North Dakota?
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 Rasmussen University-North Dakota.
Will Design and Applied Arts graduates from Rasmussen University-North Dakota find jobs?
Job availability for Design and Applied Arts is strong — 101,000 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Rasmussen University-North Dakota graduates specifically, local market conditions in ND may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →