Design and Applied Arts at Western Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 3,434 students in La Crosse, WI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $23,032 place Western Technical College below the $28,654 national median for Design and Applied Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
The 38.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI exposure is significant at 38% of job tasks, producing a 37% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.
With first-year pay of $23,032 far exceeding the $11,479 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #54 out of 92 programs, Western Technical College's financial outcomes for Design and Applied Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $23,032 to $34,819 over five years (51% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful 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 Western Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.