Design and Applied Arts at Portland Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 18,365 in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
Portland Community College's Design and Applied Arts program produces graduates earning $26,285/yr — within striking distance of the $28,654 national average for this trade.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 43.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Design and Applied Arts programs nationally.
The 40% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 38% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Design and Applied Arts graduates.
Median debt of $17,506 represents roughly 8 months of the $26,285 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
At #40 of 92 Design and Applied Arts programs, Portland Community College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $45,682 show a 74% jump from the $26,285 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
Design and Applied Arts offers 9 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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
From day-one roles to senior positions, Design and Applied Arts careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering arts & design.
Compare & Explore
Design and Applied Arts Overview
Design and Applied Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland Community College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.