District of Columbia · Design and Applied Arts

Best Design and Applied Arts institutions in District of Columbia, 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
3
offering CIP 50.04
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
75
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Median net price
$30,225
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
64%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Graphic Designers
$95,050
BLS OEWS 2024

3 institutions offering Design and Applied Arts in District of Columbia

Graduate earnings are not yet reported for these institutions; ordered by completions.

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1George Washington University
Washington Private not-for-profit
4884%$29,789
2American University
Washington Private not-for-profit
2275%$30,225
3University of the District of Columbia
Washington Public
533%

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 District of Columbia

Jobs in District of Columbia
1,280
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$95,050
median $90,710
Best-paying metro
$88,580
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Related careers

Graphic Designers
$95,050 avg · 1,280 jobs
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$97,720 avg · 660 jobs
Interior Designers
$90,960 avg · 530 jobs
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$107,910 avg · 330 jobs
Photographers
$99,690 avg · 270 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Design and Applied Arts programs in District of Columbia.

How much do Graphic Designers earn in District of Columbia?+

The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in District of Columbia is $95,050 (median $90,710), across about 1,280 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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