Design & Applied Arts Schools in California
In 2018-2019, 379 students earned their Design degrees in CA.
As a degree choice, Design & Applied Arts is the 65th most popular major in the state.
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Education Levels of Design & Applied Arts Majors in California
Design majors in the state tend to have the following degree levels:
Education Level | Number of Grads |
---|---|
Master’s Degree | 254 |
Post-Master’s Certificate | 125 |
Postbaccalaureate Certificate | 125 |
Gender Distribution
In California, a design major is more popular with women than with men.

Racial Distribution
The racial distribution of design majors in California is as follows:
- Asian: 11.3%
- Black or African American: 4.7%
- Hispanic or Latino: 10.6%
- White: 24.3%
- Non-Resident Alien: 35.9%
- Other Races: 13.2%

Jobs for Design & Applied Arts Grads in California
There are 88,250 people in the state and 756,760 people in the nation working in design jobs.

Wages for Design & Applied Arts Jobs in California
Design grads earn an average of $77,580 in the state and $71,430 nationwide.

Most Popular Design & Applied Arts Programs in CA
There are 15 colleges in California that offer design degrees. Learn about the most popular 10 below:
Students enjoy a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. This private institution charges an average net price of $32,131. In their early career, Academy of Art University grads earn an average salary of $26,900.
It takes the average student 4.93 years to graduate. The student to faculty ratio is 25 to 1. Students who attend this public school pay an average net price of $8,234.
Graduates earn an average $29,400 after graduation. This school boasts a lower than average student loan default rate of 2.90%. 21% of the teachers are full time.
Of all the students who attend this school, 69% get financial aid. In their early career, USC grads earn an average salary of $53,800. 9 to 1 is the student to faculty ratio.
Most students complete their degree in 4.22 years. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 16% are considered full time. This private school has an average net price of $42,253.
Of all the teachers who work at the school, 70% are considered full time. The student to faculty ratio is 18 to 1. Seeking financial aid? At this school, 64% of students receive it.
61% of students get financical aid. The average student takes 4.80 years to complete their degree at Art Center College of Design. 26% of the teachers are full time.
Roughly six years after entering college, graduates of this school earn $24,900 a year. The student loan default rate of 3.90% is a good sign that graduates can afford their loan payments. The full-time teacher rate is 13%.
18% of the teachers are full time. This private school has an average net price of $30,520. This school boasts a lower than average student loan default rate of 1.80%.
Students who attend this public school pay an average net price of $15,033. This school boasts a lower than average student loan default rate of 5.30%. The average student takes 4.85 years to complete their degree at SFSU.
Design & Applied Arts Careers in CA
Some of the careers design majors go into include:
Job Title | CA Job Growth | CA Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Art, Drama, and Music Professors | 15% | $100,050 |
Designers | 13% | $77,030 |
Multimedia Artists and Animators | 10% | $84,740 |
Artists | 8% | $60,490 |
Graphic Designers | 7% | $56,810 |
Art Directors | 7% | $118,660 |
Commercial and Industrial Designers | 6% | $70,410 |
Interior Designers | 5% | $60,360 |
Set and Exhibit Designers | 5% | $58,910 |
Fashion Designers | 4% | $78,680 |
Photographers | -4% | $46,790 |
Related Majors in California
Below are some popular majors in the state that are similar to design.
Major | Annual Graduates in CA |
---|---|
Film, Video & Photographic Arts | 918 |
Music | 692 |
Fine & Studio Arts | 501 |
Drama & Theater Arts | 393 |
General Visual & Performing Arts | 102 |
Arts & Media Management | 46 |
Dance | 39 |
Other Visual Art | 15 |
View all majors related to Design & Applied Arts
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References
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