Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Texas

Texas has 21 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,768 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,965 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,594.

School choice matters significantly: The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $55,151 while West Texas A & M University graduates earn $18,315 — a $36,836 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in TX

$33,965

TX Avg. Earnings

$34,594

National Avg.

311

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Texas

Public Schools (11)

$34,988

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (6)

$34,779

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Texas 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 Texas, Ranked by Earnings

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public

$55,151

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $53,135

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 29.1%

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · Private

$46,966

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $46,701

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 42.6%

University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public

$43,426

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,297

Graduates: 49

Acceptance: 69.5%

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · Private

$42,728

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 61.2%

Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private

$41,342

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $44,506

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 51.0%

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public

$39,784

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,060

Graduates: 153

Acceptance: 89.5%

University of North Texas

Denton, TX · Public

$38,937

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,405

Graduates: 85

Acceptance: 72.5%

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public

$36,134

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 70.9%

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX · Public

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX · Public

East Texas A&M University

Commerce, TX · Public

$32,569

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,717

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 92.6%

#12

Miami International University of Art & Design-Art Institute Dallas

Dallas, TX ·

$30,014

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,700

Graduates: 290

Acceptance: N/A

#13

The Art Institute of Houston

Houston, TX ·

$29,902

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,094

Graduates: 248

Acceptance: N/A

#14

The Art Institute of Austin

Bastrop, TX ·

$29,902

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,094

Graduates: 248

Acceptance: N/A

#15

The Art Institute of San Antonio

San Antonio, TX ·

$29,902

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,094

Graduates: 248

Acceptance: N/A

#16

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX · Private

$29,685

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,210

Graduates: 42

Acceptance: 93.4%

#17

Saint Edward's University

Austin, TX · Private

$27,126

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,787

Graduates: 39

Acceptance: 83.7%

#18

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX · Public

The University of Texas at Dallas

Richardson, TX · Public

$26,739

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $27,447

Graduates: 241

Acceptance: 65.5%

#20

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX · Private

$20,824

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,334

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 63.9%

#21

West Texas A & M University

Canyon, TX · Public

$18,315

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 97.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Texas?

The University of Texas at Austin ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Texas with median graduate earnings of $55,151 within two years of graduation. There are 21 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.

How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in Texas?

Design and Applied Arts graduates in Texas earn an average of $33,965 within two years of graduation. This is 2% below the national average of $34,594 for this major.

What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Texas?

The University of Texas at Austin is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Texas with an acceptance rate of 29.1%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 73.5%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Texas?

In Texas, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $34,779 vs $34,988 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 11 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Texas

Chemical Engineering $70,069 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,562 Computer Engineering $65,273 Industrial Engineering $64,917 Computer Science $64,839 Construction Engineering Technologies $63,237 Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $62,062 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $61,898

All colleges in Texas →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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