Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Michigan

Michigan has 11 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 616 recent graduates. Graduates in Michigan earn $38,022 on average within two years — 10% above the national average of $34,594, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Lawrence Technological University graduates earn $48,432 while University of Michigan-Flint graduates earn $29,685 — a $18,747 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

11
Schools in MI
$38,022
MI Avg. Earnings
$34,594
National Avg.
311
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Michigan

Public Schools (8)
$36,212
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (3)
$42,847
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,635 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Design and Applied Arts Schools in Michigan, Ranked by Earnings

#1
L

Lawrence Technological University

Southfield, MI · Private

$48,432
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $73,712
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 80.3%
#2
W

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI · Public

$44,950
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,068
Graduates: 45
Acceptance: 84.7%
#3
C

College for Creative Studies

Detroit, MI · Private

$43,798
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,087
Graduates: 221
Acceptance: 92.8%
#4
C

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public

$39,549
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,718
Graduates: 61
Acceptance: 91.0%
#5
M

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

$38,721
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,306
Graduates: 78
Acceptance: 83.9%
#6
O

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public

$37,424
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,025
Graduates: 60
Acceptance: 70.2%
#7
B

Baker College

Owosso, MI · Private

$36,312
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 87.5%
#8
E

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI · Public

$35,060
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 81.3%
#9
F

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public

$34,187
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,519
Graduates: 103
Acceptance: 80.6%
#10
S

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI · Public

$30,119
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,017
Graduates: 24
Acceptance: 72.9%
#11
U

University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI · Public

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 68.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Michigan?
Lawrence Technological University ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Michigan with median graduate earnings of $48,432 within two years of graduation. There are 11 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.
How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in Michigan?
Design and Applied Arts graduates in Michigan earn an average of $38,022 within two years of graduation. This is 10% above the national average of $34,594 for this major.
What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Michigan?
University of Michigan-Flint is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Michigan with an acceptance rate of 68.8%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 81.3%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Michigan?
In Michigan, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $42,847 vs $36,212 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 8 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Michigan

All colleges in Michigan →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.