Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Missouri

Missouri has 10 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 244 recent graduates. Graduates in Missouri earn $31,981 on average within two years — 8% below the national average of $34,594. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Washington University in St Louis graduates earn $41,205 while Stephens College graduates earn $26,933 — a $14,272 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

10
Schools in MO
$31,981
MO Avg. Earnings
$34,594
National Avg.
311
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Missouri

Public Schools (2)
$31,902
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (5)
$33,317
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $1,415 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 Missouri, Ranked by Earnings

#1
W

Washington University in St Louis

St. Louis, MO · Private

$41,205
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $41,577
Graduates: 33
Acceptance: 12.0%
#2
M

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Private

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,469
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 93.7%
#3
U

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, MO · Public

$33,637
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,171
Graduates: 52
Acceptance: 68.6%
#4
D

Drury University

Springfield, MO · Private

$31,133
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 58.9%
#5
D

Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

Springfield, MO ·

$31,133
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#6
M

Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO · Public

$30,167
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,273
Graduates: 38
Acceptance: 91.0%
#7
S

Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts

Saint Louis, MO · For-Profit

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,370
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 71.4%
#8
M

Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO ·

$28,598
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#9
K

Kansas City Art Institute

Kansas City, MO · Private

$27,947
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $21,327
Graduates: 70
Acceptance: 60.4%
#10
S

Stephens College

Columbia, MO · Private

$26,933
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 91.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Missouri?
Washington University in St Louis ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Missouri with median graduate earnings of $41,205 within two years of graduation. There are 10 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.
How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in Missouri?
Design and Applied Arts graduates in Missouri earn an average of $31,981 within two years of graduation. This is 8% below the national average of $34,594 for this major.
What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Missouri?
Washington University in St Louis is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Missouri with an acceptance rate of 12.0%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 68.4%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Missouri?
In Missouri, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $33,317 vs $31,902 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 5 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Missouri

All colleges in Missouri →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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