Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Iowa

Iowa has 6 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 361 recent graduates. Graduates earn $35,572 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,895.

School choice matters significantly: Drake University graduates earn $39,909 while Morningside University graduates earn $27,669 — a $12,240 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IA

$35,572

IA Avg. Earnings

$34,895

National Avg.

371

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Iowa

Public Schools (2)

$36,357

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (4)

$35,049

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Iowa 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 Iowa, Ranked by Earnings

Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private

$39,909

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 64.1%

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

$38,721

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,065

Graduates: 282

Acceptance: 89.1%

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,800

Graduates: 53

Acceptance: 94.4%

Grand View University

Des Moines, IA · Private

$37,568

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,077

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 98.4%

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA · Private

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 93.4%

Morningside University

Sioux City, IA · Private

$27,669

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 70.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Drake University ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Iowa with median graduate earnings of $39,909 within two years of graduation. There are 6 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.

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

Design and Applied Arts graduates in Iowa earn an average of $35,572 within two years of graduation. This is 2% above the national average of $34,895 for this major.

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

Drake University is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Iowa with an acceptance rate of 64.1%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 85.0%.

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

In Iowa, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $35,049 vs $36,357 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Iowa

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $71,489 Computer Science $67,647 Industrial Engineering $67,486 Chemical Engineering $66,073 Computer and Information Sciences, General $61,418 Management Information Systems and Services $61,155 Civil Engineering $60,985 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $59,161

All colleges in Iowa →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.