Michigan · Design and Applied Arts

Best Design and Applied Arts institutions in Michigan, 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
33
offering CIP 50.04
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
813
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$32,665
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
11
College Scorecard
Median net price
$21,132
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
46%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Graphic Designers
$57,150
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
1Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo Public · Bachelor's degree
$39,0775758%$27,000
2Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti Public · Bachelor's degree
$38,4434946%
3Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant Public · Bachelor's degree
$36,9175359%$28,500
4Michigan State University
East Lansing Public · Bachelor's degree
$36,78413581%$28,175
5Ferris State University
Big Rapids Public · Bachelor's degree
$34,0458747%$27,000
6College for Creative Studies
Detroit Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$32,6659771%$32,153$26,000
7Oakland University
Rochester Hills Public · Bachelor's degree
$30,6878158%$27,954
8Saginaw Valley State University
University Center Public · Bachelor's degree
$27,5772448%$26,125
9Henry Ford College
Dearborn Public · Associate degree
$19,9111317%$19,075
10University of Michigan - Flint
Flint Public · Bachelor's degree
$18,339840%$30,695

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 Michigan

Jobs in Michigan
5,990
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$57,150
median $52,600
Best-paying metro
$61,520
Ann Arbor, MI

Related careers

Graphic Designers
$57,150 avg · 5,990 jobs
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$83,800 avg · 2,620 jobs
Commercial and Industrial Designers
$86,890 avg · 2,580 jobs
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$81,830 avg · 1,800 jobs
Interior Designers
$65,800 avg · 1,670 jobs

Common questions

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

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), Western Michigan University tops the list at $39,077. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Graphic Designers earn in Michigan?+

The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Michigan is $57,150 (median $52,600), across about 5,990 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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