Design and Applied Arts at Gwinnett Technical College
with a mid-sized student body of 7,395 in Lawrenceville, GA.
Program Analysis
At $32,851 per year, Design and Applied Arts graduates from Gwinnett Technical College earn slightly above the $28,654 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The 59.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Design and Applied Arts graduates.
The median debt load of $14,482 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Ranked #14 out of 92 programs, Gwinnett Technical College's Design and Applied Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth is modest: $32,851 to $39,266 over five years (20% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
With 9 registered apprenticeships mapped to Design and Applied Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Design and Applied Arts graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art directors | $111,040 | +4.2% | 50% |
| Architecture teachers, postsecondary | $101,480 | +2.0% | 51% |
| Special effects artists and animators | $99,800 | +1.6% | 48% |
Design and Applied Arts Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Design and Applied Arts — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Gwinnett Technical College and 91 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Design and Applied Arts Overview
Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Gwinnett Technical College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.