Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in North Carolina

North Carolina has 9 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 322 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,623 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,594.

School choice matters significantly: East Carolina University graduates earn $41,193 while North Carolina A & T State University graduates earn $25,194 — a $15,999 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

9
Schools in NC
$33,623
NC Avg. Earnings
$34,594
National Avg.
311
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in North Carolina

Public Schools (6)
$35,035
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (3)
$30,799
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in North Carolina produce comparable or higher early earnings for Design and Applied Arts graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Design and Applied Arts Schools in North Carolina, Ranked by Earnings

#1
E

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC · Public

$41,193
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $40,259
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: 90.1%
#2
U

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC · Public

$36,848
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,556
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 89.8%
#3
N

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public

$36,401
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,731
Graduates: 71
Acceptance: 39.9%
#4
A

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC · Public

$35,728
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,417
Graduates: 124
Acceptance: 88.6%
#5
M

Meredith College

Raleigh, NC · Private

$35,274
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,843
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: 74.7%
#6
W

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public

$34,847
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,187
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: 86.7%
#7
C

Campbell University

Buies Creek, NC · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.3%
#8
Q

Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Private

$27,439
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 67.7%
#9
N

North Carolina A & T State University

Greensboro, NC · Public

$25,194
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $22,609
Graduates: 40
Acceptance: 46.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in North Carolina?
East Carolina University ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in North Carolina with median graduate earnings of $41,193 within two years of graduation. There are 9 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.
How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in North Carolina?
Design and Applied Arts graduates in North Carolina earn an average of $33,623 within two years of graduation. This is 3% below the national average of $34,594 for this major.
What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in North Carolina?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in North Carolina with an acceptance rate of 39.9%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 75.3%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $30,799 vs $35,035 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 3 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in North Carolina

All colleges in North Carolina →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

Get Design and Applied Arts Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

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