Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's design programs reveal a telling earnings divide that mirrors the state's manufacturing economy. University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $45,919 annually while Edgewood College graduates start at $26,353, creating a $19,566 gap that reflects program focus and industry connections. The state's 15 design programs range from $10,044 to $27,514 in net costs, with public universities claiming the most affordable spots. UW-Stout stands out for combining reasonable costs at $17,365 with solid $36,717 earnings, reflecting Wisconsin's need for industrial designers who serve companies like GE Healthcare and Kimberly-Clark. Private art schools like Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design command higher tuition at $27,514 but deliver $37,363 in graduate earnings. The state's manufacturing base creates demand for product designers, while healthcare companies need user experience specialists. Wisconsin Grant assistance helps in-state students access these programs at reduced costs.

Programs

$10,044 – $27,514

Net Price Range

$34,766

Avg. Program Earnings

57.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$45,919	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
2	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$17,365	$36,717	$10,142	52.5%	86.3%
3	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$26,933	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
4	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$31,495	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
5	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$41,193	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
6	Herzing University-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$20,319	$32,925	$13,420	27.6%	94.5%
7	Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$27,514	$37,363	$42,268	63.3%	64.0%
8	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$33,993	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
9	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$26,353	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
10	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674		$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
11	Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Green Bay, Wisconsin	$18,847		$11,982	62.5%
12	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726		$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
13	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044		$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
14	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315		$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
15	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633		$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
16	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722		$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
17	Northland College Ashland, Wisconsin	$20,780		$42,491	43.3%	68.4%
18	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341		$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
19	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092		$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
20	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362		$37,230	69.6%	72.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Wisconsin design programs?

Program specialization drives the $19,566 earnings difference between top and bottom performers. UW-Madison graduates earn $45,919 because the program emphasizes digital design skills needed by tech companies like Epic Systems. Meanwhile, programs focused on fine arts or education produce lower starting salaries around $26,353. Schools with stronger industry partnerships consistently show higher graduate earnings.

How do public and private design program costs compare in Wisconsin?

Public universities offer significant savings with net costs between $10,044 and $17,365. Private schools range from $18,295 to $27,514, nearly doubling the expense in some cases. However, specialized private institutions like Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design justify their $27,514 cost with focused curricula and industry connections. In-state students benefit most from public options through Wisconsin Grant funding.

Is UW-Stout worth considering for design students on a budget?

UW-Stout delivers excellent value at $17,365 net cost with graduates earning $36,717 annually. The school's 52.50% graduation rate reflects its hands-on approach that some students find challenging. However, those who complete the program enter Wisconsin's manufacturing sector well-prepared for industrial design roles. The return on investment beats many higher-priced alternatives.

Does Wisconsin's job market support design graduates effectively?

Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare sectors create steady demand for design professionals. Companies like GE Healthcare need user interface designers while manufacturers require product development specialists. Graduate earnings ranging from $26,353 to $45,919 reflect this market reality. The state's varied economy supports both traditional industrial design and emerging digital design careers.

Where do Wisconsin design graduates find the highest-paying opportunities?

Madison emerges as the earnings leader with UW-Madison graduates commanding $45,919 annually, likely due to proximity to Epic Systems and state government design needs. Milwaukee's design scene supports moderate earnings around $31,495 to $37,363 through healthcare and manufacturing connections. Smaller cities offer entry-level opportunities but typically lower starting salaries. Location significantly impacts earning potential in Wisconsin's design field.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.