Tennessee · Design and Applied Arts

Best Design and Applied Arts institutions in Tennessee, 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
24
offering CIP 50.04
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
346
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$28,702
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
8
College Scorecard
Median net price
$24,187
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
55%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Graphic Designers
$58,710
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 8 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
Chattanooga Public · Bachelor's degree
$41,9681950%$25,000
2Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro Public · Bachelor's degree
$38,8071154%
3The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Knoxville Public · Bachelor's degree
$36,0612174%
4East Tennessee State University
Johnson City Public · Bachelor's degree
$34,1772953%$19,250
5Belmont University
Nashville Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$28,7025771%$29,246$27,000
6Nashville State Community College
Nashville Public · Associate degree
$27,412818%
7Nossi College of Art and Design
Nashville Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$24,4973442%$24,474$46,500
8Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga Public · Associate degree
$20,1652626%$11,681

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 Tennessee

Jobs in Tennessee
4,190
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$58,710
median $51,740
Best-paying metro
$61,750
Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA

Related careers

Graphic Designers
$58,710 avg · 4,190 jobs
Web and Digital Interface Designers
$62,260 avg · 3,470 jobs
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$78,850 avg · 1,530 jobs
Interior Designers
$62,310 avg · 1,290 jobs
Photographers
$42,040 avg · 1,090 jobs

Common questions

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

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

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga tops the list at $41,968. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Graphic Designers earn in Tennessee?+

The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Tennessee is $58,710 (median $51,740), across about 4,190 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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