Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Washington

Washington has 9 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 306 recent graduates. Graduates in Washington earn $41,358 on average within two years — 20% above the national average of $34,594, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn $57,318 while Northwest College of Art & Design graduates earn $23,579 — a $33,739 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

9
Schools in WA
$41,358
WA Avg. Earnings
$34,594
National Avg.
311
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Washington

Public Schools (3)
$49,254
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (4)
$37,788
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Washington 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 Washington, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public

$57,318
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $49,494
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 42.5%
#2
L

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Kirkland, WA ·

$49,729
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,296
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: N/A
#3
W

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public

$46,087
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,818
Graduates: 83
Acceptance: 91.3%
#4
W

Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public

$44,356
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,683
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 85.4%
#5
S

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private

$43,798
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,730
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 91.1%
#6
S

Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $20,602
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 76.0%
#7
C

Cornish College of the Arts

Seattle, WA · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $27,553
Graduates: 45
Acceptance: 70.5%
#8
W

Walla Walla University

College Place, WA · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $25,370
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: N/A
#9
N

Northwest College of Art & Design

Tacoma, WA · For-Profit

$23,579
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,385
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 76.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Washington?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Washington with median graduate earnings of $57,318 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 Washington?
Design and Applied Arts graduates in Washington earn an average of $41,358 within two years of graduation. This is 20% above the national average of $34,594 for this major.
What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Washington?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Washington with an acceptance rate of 42.5%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 76.2%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Washington?
In Washington, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $37,788 vs $49,254 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Washington

All colleges in Washington →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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