Best colleges for Design and Applied Arts in Montana
Ranked by graduate earnings
Montana State University, The University of Montana and Montana State University - Northern award the most Design and Applied Arts degrees and certificates in Montana: 22, 10 and 1 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 5 Montana colleges offer Design and Applied Arts and award 44 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 institution, 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 | Montana State University Bozeman Public · Associate degree | $36,931 | 22 | 57% | — | $18,880 |
Colleges awarding the most Design and Applied Arts degrees in Montana
Top 3 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). 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 | Montana State University Bozeman Public | 22 | $36,931 |
| 2 | The University of Montana Missoula Public | 10 | Not reported |
| 3 | Montana State University - Northern Havre Public | 1 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 2 Montana colleges offering Design and Applied Arts
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell | Public | 10 |
| Fort Peck Community College | Poplar | Public | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024).
Top skills
What Graphic Designers earn in Montana
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Design and Applied Arts programs in Montana.
Which Montana colleges award the most Design and Applied Arts degrees?+
Montana State University (22 graduates a year), The University of Montana (10 graduates a year) and Montana State University - Northern (1 graduate a year) award the most Design and Applied Arts degrees and certificates in Montana, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 5 Montana colleges offer Design and Applied Arts.
Which Design and Applied Arts program in Montana has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Montana State University tops the list at $36,931. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Graphic Designers earn in Montana?+
The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Montana is $61,670 (median $56,890), across about 610 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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