Best colleges for Design and Applied Arts in Maryland
Ranked by graduate earnings
Maryland Institute College of Art, Montgomery College and Anne Arundel Community College award the most Design and Applied Arts degrees in Maryland: 260, 86 and 47 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 18 Maryland colleges offer Design and Applied Arts and award 640 degrees and certificates a year in all.
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…
Top 3 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,020 | 27 | 70% | — | $21,531 |
| 2 | Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $27,246 | 260 | 72% | $37,659 | $27,000 |
| 3 | Stevenson University Owings Mills Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $27,969 | 18 | 68% | $26,556 | $27,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Design and Applied Arts degrees in Maryland
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore Private not-for-profit | 260 | $27,246 |
| 2 | Montgomery College Rockville Public | 86 | Not reported |
| 3 | Anne Arundel Community College Arnold Public | 47 | Not reported |
| 4 | Harford Community College Bel Air Public | 36 | Not reported |
| 5 | Bowie State University Bowie Public | 30 | Not reported |
| 6 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore Public | 27 | $34,020 |
| 7 | Stevenson University Owings Mills Private not-for-profit | 18 | $27,969 |
| 8 | University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne Public | 17 | Not reported |
| 9 | Frederick Community College Frederick Public | 16 | Not reported |
| 10 | Morgan State University Baltimore Public | 15 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 8 Maryland colleges offering Design and Applied Arts
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore | Public | 26 |
| Prince George's Community College | Largo | Public | 21 |
| University of Baltimore | Baltimore | Public | 13 |
| College of Southern Maryland | La Plata | Public | 9 |
| Cecil College | North East | Public | 8 |
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown | Public | 6 |
| Baltimore City Community College | Baltimore | Public | 4 |
| Women's Institute of Torah Seminary and College | Baltimore | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024).
Top skills
What Graphic Designers earn in Maryland
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Design and Applied Arts programs in Maryland.
Which Maryland colleges award the most Design and Applied Arts degrees?+
Maryland Institute College of Art (260 graduates a year), Montgomery College (86 graduates a year) and Anne Arundel Community College (47 graduates a year) award the most Design and Applied Arts degrees in Maryland, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 18 Maryland colleges offer Design and Applied Arts.
Which Design and Applied Arts program in Maryland has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Maryland-Baltimore County tops the list at $34,020. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Graphic Designers earn in Maryland?+
The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Maryland is $77,770 (median $75,120), across about 3,050 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
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).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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