Design and Applied Arts at The New School
The New School accepts 63% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 6,819 students in New York, NY.
Program Analysis
Graduates of The New School's Design and Applied Arts program earn $44,640/yr in their first year — 56% above the $28,654 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
At 5.1x the cost of tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Design and Applied Arts graduates.
At $14,750 in median debt against $44,640 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
Ranked #32 out of 92 programs, The New School's Design and Applied Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,640 to $56,224 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
With 9 registered apprenticeships mapped to Design and Applied Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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 The New School
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.