Colorado · Design and Applied Arts

Best Design and Applied Arts institutions in Colorado, 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
14
offering CIP 50.04
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
494
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$31,104
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
5
College Scorecard
Median net price
$29,726
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
39%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Graphic Designers
$73,480
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 5 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver Public · Bachelor's degree
$39,4503832%$29,125
2Arapahoe Community College
Littleton Public · Associate degree
$32,1006029%$15,000
3University of Denver
Denver Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$31,1042776%$29,726
4Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Lakewood Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$29,82916232%$28,500$46,544
5Front Range Community College
Westminster Public · Certificate degree
$21,3973135%$11,000

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 Colorado

Jobs in Colorado
4,720
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$73,480
median $66,360
Best-paying metro
$77,670
Greeley, CO

Related careers

Graphic Designers
$73,480 avg · 4,720 jobs
Interior Designers
$79,640 avg · 2,800 jobs
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$119,260 avg · 2,740 jobs
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$67,280 avg · 1,870 jobs
Photographers
$51,780 avg · 1,000 jobs
Art Directors
$109,770 avg · 680 jobs

Common questions

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

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Metropolitan State University of Denver tops the list at $39,450. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Graphic Designers earn in Colorado?+

The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Colorado is $73,480 (median $66,360), across about 4,720 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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