Iowa · Design and Applied Arts

Best Design and Applied Arts institutions in Iowa, 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
23
offering CIP 50.04
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
546
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$31,122
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
6
College Scorecard
Median net price
$22,419
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
55%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Graphic Designers
$51,830
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 6 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls Public · Bachelor's degree
$38,6373068%$25,100
2Iowa State University
Ames Public · Bachelor's degree
$37,56526375%$27,000
3Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids Public · Associate degree
$32,1165443%$10,519
4Upper Iowa University
Fayette Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$31,1221334%$22,697$39,780
5Grand View University
Des Moines Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$26,996854%$20,840$24,574
6Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny Public · Associate degree
$25,2657939%$13,625

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 Iowa

Jobs in Iowa
2,230
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$51,830
median $47,560
Best-paying metro
$54,650
Ames, IA

Related careers

Graphic Designers
$51,830 avg · 2,230 jobs
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$91,000 avg · 970 jobs
Interior Designers
$68,640 avg · 720 jobs
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$77,640 avg · 620 jobs
Commercial and Industrial Designers
$72,580 avg · 540 jobs

Common questions

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

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), University of Northern Iowa tops the list at $38,637. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Graphic Designers earn in Iowa?+

The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Iowa is $51,830 (median $47,560), across about 2,230 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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