Massachusetts · Design and Applied Arts

Best Design and Applied Arts institutions in Massachusetts, 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
38
offering CIP 50.04
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
841
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$39,271
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
14
College Scorecard
Median net price
$28,321
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
54%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Graphic Designers
$80,030
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 10 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$50,5994068%$32,713$27,000
2Northeastern University
Boston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$49,7277591%$18,925$28,250
3Boston University
Boston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$49,2545989%$21,956$21,250
4Suffolk University
Boston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$47,4154561%$28,895$27,000
5University of Massachusetts - Lowell
Lowell Public · Bachelor's degree
$41,0204365%$27,000
6Endicott College
Beverly Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$39,2711376%$34,195$27,000
7Emmanuel College
Boston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$32,413468%$29,723$27,000
8Lasell University
Newton Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$29,6612759%$23,724$27,000
9University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
North Dartmouth Public · Bachelor's degree
$29,6604752%$27,000
10Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg Public · Bachelor's degree
$29,1913955%$27,000

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 Massachusetts

Jobs in Massachusetts
4,890
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$80,030
median $76,370
Best-paying metro
$81,960
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH

Related careers

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$102,090 avg · 5,780 jobs
Graphic Designers
$80,030 avg · 4,890 jobs
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$114,270 avg · 2,690 jobs
Art Directors
$145,220 avg · 1,810 jobs
Interior Designers
$82,040 avg · 1,540 jobs

Common questions

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

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Wentworth Institute of Technology tops the list at $50,599. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Graphic Designers earn in Massachusetts?+

The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Massachusetts is $80,030 (median $76,370), across about 4,890 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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