Best colleges for Design and Applied Arts in California
Program-level earnings — not school prestige — rank these. Among the California programs in the federal field-of-study file, University of Southern California leads: its Design and Applied Arts graduates earn a median $89,022 four years after finishing, against the field's $51,490 national median. (Scorecard field-of-study, 2026.)
| # | College | Grad earnings, 4 yrs | Vs field median |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | $89,022 | +$37,532 |
| 2 | Chapman University | $78,121 | +$26,631 |
| 3 | Art Center College of Design | $76,093 | +$24,603 |
| 4 | University of Redlands | $75,374 | +$23,884 |
Frequently asked questions
Which California college is best for Design and Applied Arts?
By graduate earnings, University of Southern California — its Design and Applied Arts bachelor's graduates earn a median $89,022 four years out, the highest of the 4 California programs in the federal file.
What do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in California?
Across the ranked California programs, median earnings four years after completion run from $75,374 to $89,022. The field's national median is $51,490.
Is a Design and Applied Arts degree worth it?
On national medians, yes — Design and Applied Arts graduates earn $3,130/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. See the full field profile for payback math.