Alabama · Design and Applied Arts

Best Design and Applied Arts institutions in Alabama, ranked by earnings

The Design and Applied Arts program focuses on the intersection of design and practical application, teaching students how to create aesthetically pleasing objects for everyday use. This program is ideal for individuals interested in…

Institutions
11
offering CIP 50.04
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
348
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$44,215
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
3
College Scorecard
Median net price
$28,160
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
52%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Graphic Designers
$53,630
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 3 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Auburn University
Auburn Public · Bachelor's degree
$46,58514182%$26,000
2The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa Public · Bachelor's degree
$44,2156173%$26,505
3Samford University
Birmingham Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$41,3233377%$28,160$25,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+2.1%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~20,000
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$61,300
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingWritingActive LearningReading Comprehension

What Graphic Designers earn in Alabama

Jobs in Alabama
2,010
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$53,630
median $48,130
Best-paying metro
$62,800
Huntsville, AL

Related careers

Graphic Designers
$53,630 avg · 2,010 jobs
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$67,900 avg · 940 jobs
Interior Designers
$62,790 avg · 570 jobs
Photographers
$43,360 avg · 490 jobs
Art Directors
$81,740 avg · 170 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Design and Applied Arts programs in Alabama.

Which Design and Applied Arts program in Alabama has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Auburn University tops the list at $46,585. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Graphic Designers earn in Alabama?+

The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Alabama is $53,630 (median $48,130), across about 2,010 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Design and Applied Arts program?+

The Design and Applied Arts program focuses on the intersection of design and practical application, teaching students how to create aesthetically pleasing objects for everyday use. This program is ideal for individuals interested in…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop active listening, speaking, critical thinking, writing, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Graphic Designers?+

The national job outlook is about +2.1% growth with around 20,000 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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