Design and Applied Arts at Sessions College for Professional Design
a compact campus enrolling 152 students in Tempe, AZ.
Program Analysis
At $19,275 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Sessions College for Professional Design earn below the $28,654 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 12.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Design and Applied Arts programs nationally.
The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 38% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Design and Applied Arts graduates.
Median debt of $19,854 against $19,275/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.0 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load for a trade program.
Ranked #86 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Sessions College for Professional Design falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $42,234 show a 119% jump from the $19,275 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
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
What can you do with a Design and Applied Arts credential from Sessions College for Professional Design? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.
Compare & Explore
Design and Applied Arts Overview
Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.