Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 9 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 384 recent graduates. Graduates earn $34,766 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,594.

School choice matters significantly: University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $45,919 while Edgewood College graduates earn $26,353 — a $19,566 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

9
Schools in WI
$34,766
WI Avg. Earnings
$34,594
National Avg.
311
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Wisconsin

Public Schools (3)
$36,523
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (6)
$33,887
avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, Ranked by Earnings

#1
U

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

$45,919
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,684
Graduates: 26
Acceptance: 43.4%
#2
C

Carthage College

Kenosha, WI · Private

$41,193
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,624
Graduates: 32
Acceptance: 84.2%
#3
M

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$37,363
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,216
Graduates: 109
Acceptance: 62.8%
#4
U

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI · Public

$36,717
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,578
Graduates: 133
Acceptance: 84.7%
#5
C

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, WI · Private

$33,993
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,006
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 67.5%
#6
H

Herzing University-Madison

Madison, WI · Private

$32,925
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.2%
#7
M

Mount Mary University

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$31,495
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,624
Graduates: 32
Acceptance: 93.3%
#8
U

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Green Bay, WI · Public

$26,933
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,924
Graduates: 35
Acceptance: 87.8%
#9
E

Edgewood College

Madison, WI · Private

$26,353
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 94.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Wisconsin?
University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Wisconsin with median graduate earnings of $45,919 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 Wisconsin?
Design and Applied Arts graduates in Wisconsin earn an average of $34,766 within two years of graduation. This is near the national average of $34,594 for this major.
What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Wisconsin?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Wisconsin with an acceptance rate of 43.4%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 79.2%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $33,887 vs $36,523 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Wisconsin

All colleges in Wisconsin →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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